School Counseling Services
Individual Counseling
I often meet with students on a one-on-one basis for individual counseling. Students can be referred to individual counseling sessions by a parent or teacher, or they may refer themselves. Common issues I address include: anxiety, depression, anger management, difficult family situations, poor academic performance, organizational issues, difficulty getting along with peers, and low self-esteem. Depending on the severity of the situation, I may meet with a student daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or just check in as-needed. I always work with the child’s classroom teacher to ensure that they do not miss any important instructional time when they meet with me. If a student needs more than one or two sessions to resolve their concerns, I will contact the parents. I always obtain parent permission before seeing a child for ongoing counseling sessions.
Group Counseling
I may offer several small group counseling opportunities throughout the year. These groups typically consist of 3 to 8 children who are having similar issues that are preventing them from being fully successful in school. Potential groups may focus on: organizational/study skills, social skills, dealing with divorce, friendship, emotion management, impulse control, self-esteem, and handling stress. Students can be referred to a group by a teacher or parent, or they may request to participate themselves. Groups are created based upon student need and my caseload and will vary each year.
Special Needs Services
I also act as the school’s special needs coordinator. I ensure that students who have special needs, such as a health or learning disability, receive the proper accommodations and services while they attend Sacred Heart. I also ensure that our gifted children receive appropriate instruction and are challenged to the best of their abilities. I frequently conduct classroom observations, lead non-public service plan meetings, and consult with outside professionals such as pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, therapists and special education teacher consultants to make sure every student’s academic needs are being met.
Standardized Testing
All of our students in first grade through eighth grade take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills every October. While I make sure this testing process goes smoothly each year, my most important job is to thoroughly examine the results. I work closely with the administration and teachers to identify students who are at-risk of poor academic performance based on this data. I help the teachers come up with classroom accommodations to help these students. I also supervise the referral process to various intervention programs to support those students who are under-performing or struggling to work at grade level. Other standardized testing responsibilities include: High School Placement Test, entrance/placement testing, NEAP testing and coordinating other special education testing through Dearborn Public Schools.