Elementary School Counseling Services

Mission Statement:

Saint Theresa Catholic School counseling services are centered on the commitment to assist the students with their academic, social-emotional, spiritual and vocational needs, focusing on the students' specific strengths and abilities. These four domains encompass our view of the whole child. We recognize each student as an individual with unique gifts and talents, and will assist him/her in focusing on developing their potential. Services are available for all students, not just those with identified academic or social-emotional needs.

School Counseling Goal:

The school Counselor’s goal is to support, facilitate and provide the student the necessary tools to achieve his/her full potential and be successful in school. This is possible when parents, school, and students, work together as a team towards the achievement of this goal.                                                                                                          

Intellectual, social-emotional and academic issues are addressed. Academic responsibility is taught, encouraged and reinforced. The school counselor assists the student to become more aware of alternatives to his/her situation, and supports the development f more effective problem solving and decision making skills.

**The Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools Counselors Handbook stipulates the following:  “At the elementary level, it is advisable to seek parental permission to continue counseling sessions beyond two to three sessions on the same topic.” (page 24)                                  

Parents, if you do not wish your child to meet with the school counselor without your permission, please notify the School Counselor, Elsa I. Figueroa in writing via email.

How can the school counselor help your child?                                             

Individual Counseling:                                                                                                                 

  Sessions will focus on a student's specific social, emotional, or academic needs. Students may request to see the counselor.  Referrals can also come from parents, teachers, administrators and staff.

Classroom Lessons:                                                                                                                                     

• Classroom Leadership and Social-Emotional Lessons: lessons relevant to the groups’ age and specific needs. Some of the topics are: growth mindset, bullying, friendship/peer relations, character education, conflict resolution, stress management, problem solving, etc.
• Career:  Classroom lessons for grades K-8 on important skills necessary to be successful in the future. The school holds an annual Career Day early in the spring with the participation of students from 4th through 8th grade.

Small Group Counseling:                                                                                                                               

Groups focused on learning a specific skill or coping with a specific situation. These groups require previous parental consent.

Mediation: The counselor serves as facilitator in the process of conflict resolution within a group of students when their efforts to resolve the conflict independently have not been successful.