How does one get in touch with a school counselor?
Students can request to see a counselor by completing an "I Would Like to See a Counselor" form and placing it in the mailbox outside of the Sunshine Room (school counseling office). The forms can be found in an envelope below the mailbox and in each classroom. There are two versions of this form available: one form that is Kindergarten/1st grade friendly and one form that is age-appropriate for the use of 2-5 graders.
Parents/guardians can get in touch with a school counselor by calling 703-491-2108 and asking to speak to Ms. Horton or Ms. Mote. Parents/guardians can also email hortonke@pwcs.edu or motemn@pwcs.edu.
Who do the school counselors work with?
All students! School counselors work with all students when they provide monthly classroom lessons to each class. The topics of each lesson will vary depending on grade level and class needs. Over the course of the school year, the classroom lessons will cover topics relating to academic success, social/emotional skills, and college/career readiness.
The school counselors also offer optional small groups to all students. The topic and purpose of each group will vary depending on student needs. To participate in a group, parents/guardians will complete a permission slip that will be provided by, and returned to, the school counselors.
The school counselors may meet with students individually if a request is made by a student, teacher, or parent/guardian. If the student needs to be seen individually for multiple sessions (more than 3), the school counselors may send home a permission slip in order to continue working individually with a student. The school counselors may also work to connect the family with outside resources.
It is important to note that school counseling services are not considered to be therapy or special education.
What about confidentiality?
A.2.b “The professional school counselor keeps information confidential unless disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the student or others or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed. Counselors will consult with appropriate professionals when in doubt as to the validity of an exception.” ~Ethical Standards for School Counselors, American School Counselor Association