Waynewood Elementary School has two licensed, professional school counselors: Mrs. Katy Sokolove (full-time) and Mrs. Colleen Hooper (part-time). The job of the professional school counselor is to plan and implement an elementary school counseling and guidance program based on the standards developed by the Fairfax County Public School system and the American School Counselor Association.
Your school counselors provide developmentally appropriate lessons and counseling on a variety of valuable life skills including: bullying, conflict resolution, anger management, study skills, cooperation, listening, feelings, middle school transition, life changes (divorce, deployment, death), managing stress, etc. Our work is done classrooms, small groups, and individually depending on the needs of the student and/or situation.
Commonly Asked Questions:
How does the counselor know my child’s name?
School counselors work with all students, unless a parent has signed the opt-out form. School counselors work from a wellness model which assumes that all students benefit from explicit instruction on how to navigate life challenges like friendship changes, disagreements or conflicts with peers, managing strong feelings, etc.
My child mentioned he/she had lunch with the counselor. Is something wrong?
Students have lunch with the counselor for different reasons. Sometimes, they are invited to have a “fun lunch” with friends. This is a time for the child to interact with peers in a quieter, less restrictive environment. It is usually a one-time event and is quite popular among students. If you have not specifically referred your child for counseling or signed a permission slip, you can assume your child attended a “fun lunch.”
How does the Elementary School Counselor decide which children to work with?
1) Parents can request and indicate a need and desire that the counselor meet with their children. If you have expressed interest and your child has not been seen, please never hesitate to call or email to reiterate your interest.
2) Students can request counseling.
3) Teachers, administrators, or other school staff refers the student.
Counseling is conducted with students and parents individually and in small groups when requested and determined appropriate. It is short-term, voluntary, and confidential. It is not intended to be therapy, nor should it be viewed as a substitute for therapy. Parental permission is obtained prior to any extended individual or group counseling.
Contact Information
Katy Sokolove (Full Time) - 703-704-7124
Room 100 (Main Building)
Kathleen.sokolove@fcps.edu
Colleen Hooper (Part Time / Tuesdays and Thursdays) - 703-704-7164
Room 311 (Modular)
Colleen.Hooper@fcps.edu