Our Philosophy

Elementary School Counseling services are an integral part of the total school program and complement learning in the classroom. A school guidance program reaches every student and will focus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for successful academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth. Services are child-centered, proactive, and developmental. Our professional school counselors spend their time working directly with students to maximize the benefits every student will receive from the program. This will be accomplished through the use of School Counseling Curriculum, Individual Student Planning, Responsive Services, and System Support. School counseling services are comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, developmental in nature, and intended to enhance the potential of ALL elementary students.

Therefore, as an educational system we believe we can teach all children and all children can learn. We believe accessing knowledge, reasoning, questioning, and problem solving are the foundations for learning in an ever-changing world. We believe education enables students to recognize and strive for higher standards. Consequently, we will commit our efforts to help students acquire knowledge and attitudes considered valuable in order to develop their potential and/or their career and lifetime aspirations.

Thursday, May 24, 2012


The A-Z Summer Friendship List (re-post from A Way Through)

May 22nd, 2012
By Jane Balvanz, MSE, RPT
Summer is a time for kid heaven. It’s a time for freedom, friendships, fun, and eventually, “Mom, I have nothing to do.” (For precise expressiveness, the word “mom” must be said in a nasal tone and as if comprised of two syllables.)
Not to worry! Hand this list over to your child and say, “I know just what you can do. *Complete this list by the time summer is over, and you will have practiced most of the skills necessary to build good friendships.”
Apologize – Say you’re sorry when you mess up.
Balance – Balance your time wisely between friends and responsibilities.
Cool – Cool down your temper by deep breathing or walking away.
Dream – Dream about how you want your friendships to be.
Encourage – Encourage someone when they are feeling down or afraid.
Feel – Feel your emotions instead of stuffing them inside.
Give – Give of yourself. Help someone who could use help.
Humble – Be humble when you are complimented on an accomplishment.
Integrate – When someone wants to join you, integrate them into your group.
Judge – Judge friendships on your own experience, not by someone’s opinion.
Kick – Kick a habit that interferes with your friendships.
Laugh – Find someone who makes you laugh. Laughter = friendship magic!
Manage – Manage your commitments and do what you have promised.
Negotiate – Negotiate a compromise in a friendship disagreement.
Oppose – Oppose actions that purposely hurt another.
Praise – Praise someone’s accomplishments.
Quit – Quit a friendship that doesn’t feel good.
Relate – Find a way to relate to someone who is different than you.
Start – Start a new friendship.
Team – Team up with others to have fun.
Understand – Try to understand an opinion different than yours.
Value – Value others who make you feel good about yourself.
Wonder – Wonder about what makes a good friend.
X – X out the negative attitude. No one loves a grump.
Yield – Yield to your friends now and then to share decision-making.
Zip – Zip your lips when you feel like repeating words that hurt
© 2012 A Way Through, LLC
Bullying strategists Jane Balvanz and Blair Wagner publish GAPRA’s bi-weekly articles. If you’re ready to guide children in grades K – 12 through painful friendships and emotional bullying:
For help with emotional bullying: www.GAPRAconnect.com
For the When Girls Hurt Girls® program: www.AWayThrough.com
Posted by at 11:15 AM

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