Counselors' Corner

Counselors Corner

Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year at Oak Hill Elementary School! We are very excited about working with you and your children. The counseling program at Oak Hill attempts to follow students year to year. Dot Bennett will be working with kindergarten, first grade, third grade, and fifth grade. Christy Ryder will be working with second grade, fourth grade, sixth grade, Mrs. Fredericks, and Mr. Sonoskey.

What are school counselors?
School counselors are helpers in the school who work with students, parents, and teachers. We help students learn about things like making friends, understanding feelings, solving conflicts, and practicing good study skills. Specifically, we address all students’ academic, personal/social, and career needs. School counselors have at least a master’s degree in school counseling and have been specially trained to address the developmental needs of all students.

What do school counselors do?
School counselors talk with individual students, meet with students in small groups, teach classroom guidance lessons twice a month, hold lunch bunches, and work as a team with teachers and parents. We are also the 504 coordinators and are members of the Positive Behavior Support Committee.

How can my child meet with the counselor?
Children can request an initial visit with the counselor by using the available forms outside of the counselor’s office. Parents, teachers, and administrators can also refer students. Parents are invited to call and/or make an appointment to see us. We are happy to discuss resources and services that may help children and families.

Here are some reasons a student might want to come and talk to the school counselor:
“Some kids in my class and I had a problem at recess. Can you help us work it out?”
“I am new to the school and would like some help making friends.”
“My best friend isn’t talking to me and it is really making me sad.”
“I am getting picked on at the bus stop. Can you help me?”

Here are some reasons a parent might refer their child to the school counselor:
"My child doesn't want to go to school in the mornings."
"My daughter is having difficulty staying organized at home and at school."
"I am about to get remarried and my child has been having a little bit of difficulty adjusting to the change."

Here are some reasons teachers or administrators might refer their child to the school counselor:
"A student in my class is absent a lot."
"A particular student is new to our school and it might be helpful for him to have lunch with you and some new friends."
"I've noticed my student seems distracted and anxious a lot lately."
"One of my students is consistently turning in her homework late or not at all and I am concerned about her study skills."

How can I contact the counselor?
Dot Bennett
703-467-3575 and Dot.Bennett@fcps.edu

Christy Ryder
703-467-3542 and Christine.Ryder@fcps.edu

We are looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,
Christy Ryder and Dot Bennett

Counseling Brochure (.pdf)

Day-by-Day Daily Learning Tips for Parents (.pdf)

A Parenting Resource