Classroom Guidance: Classroom guidance lessons are specifically designed to teach students the skills they need to be successful here at school and beyond. The topics taught may change year to year as the needs of the students change. The needs of students is continually being track by the most recent school data. Through the data, I will pinpoint exactly what students need rather than take away academic learning to time to teach what they are already doing well at. The data I pull from are teacher and parent surveys, discipline records, attendance, reports of bullying, academic test results, and an overall understanding of what the students are saying they need from me. Once topics are pinpointed, I visit classrooms to deliver guidance lessons. I am also available on an as needed basis to assist in a restorative practice circles/class meeting or to address a classroom specific issue
Groups: Small groups target a specific need of a group of students. Some example of group topics are emotional regulation, impulse control, conflict resolution, 5th grade student skills (transition), transition to kindergarten, etc. The topics change based on the needs of the students. Students may be referred by a parent/guardian, or a staff member. It is important to note that groups can only be formed if there are enough students and if there is enough need in that specific area.
Individual: Individual counseling will be brief, one on one counseling that is solution focused and designed to fit the unique needs of the student. Teachers, staff, and parents can refer students for one on one support. Students can also self-refer by filling out a “I need to see Mrs. Twellman” sheet or speaking to me in person at recess or lunch. If there is a need for me to meet with a student individually more than twice, a parent or guardian will be contacted for consent to continue to support their student.
Individual counseling may also include: -Informal problem solving between students, problem solving with a student around issues with a teacher or staff member, or empowering students to talk to and problem solve with other students and staff members. -Check in-Check out with a student who is working on individual behavior goals.
Content of counseling sessions are confidential between the student and the counselor unless there is a safety concern.