Counseling

What does the school counselor do?

The role of the school counselor is to support all students. School counselors achieve this providing individual counseling, small group counseling, classroom lessons, and responsive services. Here is a snapshot of each service the school counselor provides:

Individual Counseling

Students can see the counselor at any time throughout the school day. Most students come by teacher referral, self referral, or school counselor referral. Parents also make referrals or requests for their child to see the counselor. *Please note that the school counselor does not perform traditional therapy. However, please feel free to reach out to me if you'd like a list of referrals for outside counseling.  

Small Group Counseling

Throughout the year, I will provide small group counseling to students to help students learn specific skills. Parent permission is requested for a student to join a small group. Groups are usually made up of 3-6 students and meet 4-6 times.

Classroom Lessons

Students see the counselor for classroom lessons on a weekly basis. The school counselor covers three domains as per the American School Counselor Association: academic, social/emotional, and career. Lessons include topics on empathy, setting goals, gratitude, behavior expectations, career exploration, responsibility, and conflict management. I will teach lessons to each class every week through a variety of methods - books, games, crafts, etc. 

Responsive Services

Responsive services includes responses to crises or school counseling interventions for immediate conflicts/problems. Family loss, school attendance, physical/emotional/mental abuse and neglect as well as suicide fall into responsive services. 

Wheatland Elementary Referral Process

Parent Referral Form

Ways to Refer: 

• A child may refer themselves, students will fill out a note for their teacher to give to counselor

• A teacher/staff may refer a students

• A parent/guardian may refer his/her child

• An administrator may refer a student

For parent/counseling meeting: 

• Call the school counselor to set up an appointment

• Send a note or email to the school counselor requesting contact

Reasons for a Referral: 

• You have concerns with your child's attitude toward school

• You have concerns with your child's academic growth

• You have concerns with your child's relationship with peers at school

• You have concerns about your child's personal/emotional development

• You have concerns with your child's reactions to changes within the family that may be effecting his/her learning at school

Why Should it be Done: 

• Provides students with more one on one help, support and intervention

• Increases specificity of interventions and supports and tailors them to the student

• Increases privacy for the student

• Removes the student from the situation or circumstance to discuss solutions to it

• Reduces anxiety and pressure on the student

• Provides the student with the full attention of an adult

• Makes student feel secure

When Should it be Done: 

• When students are overly emotional and cannot calm down in an appropriate and brief amount of time

• When a student requires more support and attention to address or solve a problem, issue, etc.

• When a student needs more specific and individualized help, solutions and plans to address issues

• When a student needs more privacy that a teacher can provide in the classroom to discuss an issue

***After 6 individual sessions, a student may need to be referred out to community mental health services for long-term therapy. A School Counselor only provides short-term, goal based counseling.***

Resources

• Looking or help? Looking for resources available in Wichita and the surrounding areas? Dial 2-1-1 or check out the 211 Kansas website to get referrals for a variety of services including housing/shelter, food, financial assistance and so much more.
• Mental Health Resources: Check out the link for resources in the Sedgwick County area.
• Crisis: If you or someone you know is feeling unsafe or having thoughts of harming themselves or others, utilize one of the following resources:

  • Call 911 or go the emergency room

  • Call or text 988

  • Community Crisis Center (ComCare) 316-660-7500; Walk-in 24/7 at 635 N. Main, Wichita

  • Ascension Via Christi Behavioral Health 316-268-5000; 3600 East Harry, Wichita

  • TEXT HOME to 741-741

  • https://www.crisistextline.org/

• School Counseling Standards: Review the standards that will be taught in school counseling lessons. 

• Counseling Brochure

• Section 504: Read here for more information on Section 504. If you believe your child qualifies for Section 504, please reach out to the school counselor. 

 

Vision Statement

Students from Wheatland Elementary School will possess the academic knowledge and skills to be lifelong learners and leaders. They are self-directed and well-prepared to pursue their unique goals and interests. They appreciate diversity, demonstrate empathy, encourage their peers, and implement resiliency. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the school counseling program at Wheatland Elementary School is to provide a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program addressing the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students. In alignment with the mission of USD 262 Valley Center School District, Wheatland Elementary School's counseling program implements a program designed to vigorously promote student achievement, opportunities, and success for all students. In collaboration with other educators, parents or guardians, and the community, school counselors support the learning environment and nurture student growth. We are committed to preparing students to meet the challenges of their global generation.