K – 8 Counseling Program Mission Statement
The K – 8 Counseling Program at Orchard Park is committed to the philosophy that the school will provide all students with equal opportunities to develop their potential and learn the skills necessary for success throughout the lifespan. The Counseling Program, working in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians and the community, focuses on Academic, Career and Personal/Social Development, in accordance with the American School Counselor Association National Standards.
American School Counselor Association National Standards
The American School Counselor Association outlines specific competencies in three broad domains. These standards serve as guidelines for the K – 8 Guidance Program. The three domains are:
Academic Development:
The Counseling Program assists students in becoming confident learners who acquire the skills to improve their learning and achieve goals.
Career Development:
The Counseling Program assists students in developing career awareness, employment readiness and in understanding the relationship between personal qualities, education, training and the world of work.
Personal/Social Development:
This is the main emphasis of the K-6 Classroom Guidance Program. The Counseling Program provides direct instruction in the skills that are necessary to understand and manage emotions, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Self-management and interpersonal skills are crucial to academic learning and career success. Students learn communication skills that assist them in meeting their needs, forming relationships, resolving conflicts and working cooperatively with others. The counselor welcomes questions and concerns from parents regarding their child’s social or emotional development. Our greatest successes are a result of working together for the benefit of our students. The counselor works with individual students who request help or who are referred by teachers, parents, or administrators. When students are referred for individual counseling or participation in a counseling group, parents are notified and consent is obtained. One of the most rewarding parts of the program is helping students to apply skills taught in classroom guidance to everyday situations. Communication with parents is a vital part of this process.
The K – 8 Counseling Program at Orchard Park is committed to the philosophy that the school will provide all students with equal opportunities to develop their potential and learn the skills necessary for success throughout the lifespan. The Counseling Program, working in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians and the community, focuses on Academic, Career and Personal/Social Development, in accordance with the American School Counselor Association National Standards.
American School Counselor Association National Standards
The American School Counselor Association outlines specific competencies in three broad domains. These standards serve as guidelines for the K – 8 Guidance Program. The three domains are:
Academic Development:
The Counseling Program assists students in becoming confident learners who acquire the skills to improve their learning and achieve goals.
Career Development:
The Counseling Program assists students in developing career awareness, employment readiness and in understanding the relationship between personal qualities, education, training and the world of work.
Personal/Social Development:
This is the main emphasis of the K-6 Classroom Guidance Program. The Counseling Program provides direct instruction in the skills that are necessary to understand and manage emotions, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Self-management and interpersonal skills are crucial to academic learning and career success. Students learn communication skills that assist them in meeting their needs, forming relationships, resolving conflicts and working cooperatively with others. The counselor welcomes questions and concerns from parents regarding their child’s social or emotional development. Our greatest successes are a result of working together for the benefit of our students. The counselor works with individual students who request help or who are referred by teachers, parents, or administrators. When students are referred for individual counseling or participation in a counseling group, parents are notified and consent is obtained. One of the most rewarding parts of the program is helping students to apply skills taught in classroom guidance to everyday situations. Communication with parents is a vital part of this process.
Types of Counseling
Classroom Guidance - grade level specific lessons delivered in the classroom, approximately once per month
Individual Counseling - one on one counseling sessions, typically meeting 2-4 times per month for 8-10 sessions
Art /Play Therapy - non-verbal interventions utilizing art and games
Group Counseling – interactive small groups of 3-6 students focused on a specific topic; usually 6-8 weeks in length, meeting once per week
Crisis Intervention – immediate individual support for unexpected situations interfering with personal, social, or academic functioning
Individual Counseling - one on one counseling sessions, typically meeting 2-4 times per month for 8-10 sessions
Art /Play Therapy - non-verbal interventions utilizing art and games
Group Counseling – interactive small groups of 3-6 students focused on a specific topic; usually 6-8 weeks in length, meeting once per week
Crisis Intervention – immediate individual support for unexpected situations interfering with personal, social, or academic functioning