School Counseling Program

Our professional school counselors are an integral part of the Mantua Basic School Staff. They provide monthly classroom guidance lessons to all classes in the school. These lessons focus on many important skills needed for lifelong learning and cooperative relationships, such as, listening and paying attention, organization and study strategies, communication with others, resolving conflicts, making and keeping friendships, respecting differences among people, dealing with bullying behavior, problem-solving, decision-making, goal setting, and career awareness and exploration. The Core Virtues of the Basic School (Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Compassion, Giving, Perseverance, Self-Discipline) are integrated into these lessons. The purpose of the guidance lessons is to provide learning and training for all students, giving them the necessary tools to deal with the challenges of life.

During the course of the year, both individual and small group counseling is offered for students, focusing on the needs of the children, including: understanding feelings, anger management, impulse control, problem solving, social skills or friendship, conflict resolution, changing families, grief or loss, and study skills. Parents or teachers may refer a child for individual or group counseling. Written parental permission is required for all formal individual and group counseling. Students may request to see the counselors individually, or to participate in informal lunch groups with the counselors. Counselors are also available in the school to help deal with any crises that may occur.

We are fortunate to have two full time counselors here at Mantua. Teresa McConnel works with the students in Kindergarten through third grade.  She is a supportive member of the Success by Eight program (K-2). Mrs. McConnel also coordinates the Mentor Works program at Mantua.  Ms. Allison Curran works with the students in grades 4 through 6. Ms. Curran is responsible for the transition/ registration of sixth grade students to middle school, and also trains the Mantua Mediators and assists with the SCA Greeters Committee.  Ms. Curran is also the School Testing Coordinator. Mrs. McConnel and Ms. Curran also serve on the Teacher Assistance Team, Child Study Team, and Screening Committee.  The counselors coordinate the “Spotlight on Core Virtues” program which recognizes outstanding practice of core virtues by students, staff, and parents.

Learn more about  Parenting programs, the MentorWorks program, and the Woodson Community Coalition.