Basic information: The Guidance and Counseling department, led by Mrs. Kristin Fink, provides services to all students with regard to academic and career planning, social and emotional well-being, goal-setting and other concerns. The department encourages family involvement and responsibility in assisting students to develop their own individual maximum potential. Mrs. Fink begins the year by helping new students adjust to school. Some children are seen in groups while others are met with individually. Support and resources are always available to parents.
Why have an elementary school counselor: The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making skills, communication, and life skills, as well as developing character values. It is a time when students begin to develop relationships with peers and acquire attitudes toward school, self, social groups and family. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential and a part of the comprehensive developmental school counseling program at St. Paul’s. Counselors contribute to your child’s academic success by:
- Teaching skills in leadership, conflict resolution, test-taking strategies, decision-making, effective communication, personal safety, and positive peer relationships.
- Counselors support students during times of crisis
- Counselors guide and assist students in improving academic skills, setting goals, learning self-responsibility, and increasing career awareness.
- Counselors help with referrals and community resources for students and families.
When to contact the school counselor:
- If your student is having difficulty learning;
- When family changes occur and they impede academic progress;
- When your child is having difficulty adjusting to school;
- If you are in need of community resources and agencies for your student or family.
Programs:
- Student Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Career Planning
- Parenting Nights
- Anger Management
- Social Skills Training
- Academic Advising
- Parent Resources
- Referral lists for outside counseling
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