Dear Parents, Guardians, and Families,

We would like to describe a bit about the Elementary School Guidance and Counseling Program in Fairfax County Public Schools.  The School Guidance Program is a part of the total school program and is designed to complement and reinforce learning activities in the classroom.  The Guidance and Counseling Program encourages students, intellectual, social, and emotional growth and is tailored to each stage of children's individual development.  The purpose of counseling with students, and consulting with parents and teachers, is to help students maximize their potential and be as successful as possible in the classroom.

The guidance counselors may work with students in a variety of ways.  Counselors conduct classroom lessons providing guidance in such topics as:

•  Understanding self and developing a positive self image
•  Showing respect for self and others
•  Initiating and maintaining relationships with peers, teachers, and other adults
•  Developing effective study skills
•  Understanding the decision making process
•  Learning how to resolve conflict appropriately
•  Understanding the world of work

Counseling is also conducted with students individually and in small groups when requested and determined appropriate.  Individual and group counseling is short term and is voluntary.  Written parental permission is obtained prior to extended individual or group counseling. A counselor sees students when a parent/guardian makes a request, the student asks to be seen, or teachers, administrators, or other school personnel refer the student.

Both counselors will hold group counseling sessions during students lunch periods to maintain the integrity of instructional time.    Other than counselor lunch bunches, small groups of students who meet at lunch time to talk, attendance at all group counseling sessions requires parental permission.
Some topics of these focus groups have included:

• anger management
• developing and strengthening friendship skills
• blended (changing) families
• grief and loss
• coping with stress

If you have suggestions about what topics might be of interest to you or your child, please call one of the counselors.

The guidance counselors work with parents and by providing parent workshops to assist parents in:

•  Understanding their children's progress in school
•  Selecting strategies to motivate their children
•  Developing realistic goals with their children
• Becoming actively involved in their children's school life
• Supporting the instructional program

The Guidance and Counseling program supports your student's academic progress, achievement, and success.  Please contact us if you have any question or concerns.   We will be glad to meet with you in person or consult with you by telephone.   Our job includes working with parents, teachers, staff, and others to help your student succeed in the classroom.