These lessons are an integral part of the elementary school counseling program and important to every student’s academic success. One of the most effective ways for school counselors to help prevent academic problems is by discussing self-esteem issues such as peer relationships, stress, or dealing with feelings and emotions in large group guidance lessons in the classroom.

The lessons are preventative in nature, designed to reach all students, and are taught in the classroom by the counselor. Other topics that could be taught are empathy, problem-solving and anger management skills.

Both teachers and counselors have similar goals: the educational success of each student. It is important that school counselors collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote student learning. If a student is having problems in a classroom, school counselors will join together with teachers to come up with some practical strategies with the intention to remove educational barriers and enhance the learning environment of that student. 

School counselors can provide short-term individual counseling for students, but when more intervention is required, we can coordinate referrals to community agencies. View a list of counseling resources.

Parents and school counselors can partner with each other to help the child/student on a variety of issues such as new school transitions, special needs, family transitions, and crisis situations. Studies have shown that children have greater academic achievement when their parents are involved in their education. Parental involvement is critical to helping a child be a successful student. Additionally, school counselors can help put parents in touch with community resources, if the need arises.

Harman offers a variety of group counseling opportunities based on student needs. These groups include new student transitions, divorce, friendship, and a variety of social and emotion skills.

Elementary school counselors are available to meet individually with a student in circumstances when a student's educational success is being impacted or issues arise with the child. The school counselor spends time working with individual students to improve their social skills, discuss feelings, empower, and provide problem solving methods.

Elementary school counselors assist all children. While a counselor cannot provide on-going sessions, it may be appropriate for a student to receive short-term individual one on one time. When more attention and intervention is required, school counselors can act as a referral agent for parents to access counseling services within the community.

Individual students are seen in one-on-one counseling sessions for a variety of reasons based on social, emotional, and academic needs. Topics discussed in individual sessions include, but are not limited to, social skills, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief, self-control, and self-esteem.

Military children are a unique group and may need support during deployments, moves and meeting the daily demands of military life. This club is designed to help students stay connected with other military kids. It is intended for students who have an active duty service member in their immediate family (mom, dad or sibling).

Meetings are held monthly during lunch. See the Smith Student Calendar for dates, times, and topics.

OJHS & OHS students come to the elementary schools during lunch / recess and work with assigned students on their social and emotional development.

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports

• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• Build Relationships
   

At the elementary schools we practice the 3Rs. This language provides common behavioral expectations for all students throughout the buildings. 

Parent consultations are provided for a variety of reasons, based on the needs of the student or the family, in order to develop plans that best meet the student needs to ensure their social, emotional or academic success.

The purpose of small group counseling is to compliment and enhance students' learning by improving their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Small group counseling provides a safe setting where children, along with their peers, it can increase their self-awareness and improve their cooperation and communication skills. The children can learn from each other. Ultimately, the goal of small group counseling is to prevent problems in the future by teaching children new skills. Students can benefit from participation in a small group.

Talented Tutor:

Fifth and sixth grade students tutor for 20 minutes, one time per week, during lunch, with the guidance of the student’s teacher.

OHS National Honor Society Tutors:

High school tutors work with elementary students after school or during lunch. These arrangements are typically made and overseen by the parents. The list of tutors is available upon request and is updated each fall.

Professional Tutors:

The district provides a list of qualified professional tutors.

The list of tutors is available upon request and is updated each fall.