Mission & Services
The mission of the school counseling and guidance program at Fennimore Elementary is to enhance the academic, personal/social, and career development of all students in grades K-5. A comprehensive guidance curriculum is a key component to any school setting. A professional school counseling program is preventative in nature, developmentally appropriate, and comprehensive. School counselors provide support in an effort to maximize student achievement and also, serve as an advocate for all children. Support may be provided to students in the following ways:
School counselors may also provide support to parents, teachers, and other community members through teacher or parent consultation, community collaboration, and responsive services.
Please feel free to contact me at any time at (608) 822-3285 ext. 2120 or [email protected] if you have questions regarding guidance services.
- Classroom Guidance Lessons
Classroom guidance lessons are held every other week for 30 minutes in grades 1-5 and every week for 15 minutes for students in 4K and 5K. These lessons align with the American School Counseling Model, focusing on academic, personal/social, and career development.
- Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling sessions may be offered to students throughout the school year, based on student need. This type of counseling environment allows students to give and receive help from their peers who may be experiencing similar feelings or situations. Examples of small group sessions that could be conducted include:
Changing Families: For students experiencing a new sibling, new stepparent, divorce, etc.
Social Skills: Listening, taking turns, sharing, building relationships, etc.
Grief: For those experiencing the loss of a family member, friend, pet, etc.
Conflict Resolution: Working through anger in an appropriate way
Girls Group / Boys Group: Self-esteem, addressing issues of popularity, cliques, and fitting in
Group sessions will typically last anywhere from 4-6 sessions, and are made based on teacher or parent referrals. Sessions will take place at an agreed upon time with the classroom teacher when minimal instruction is missed. If you have any questions about group counseling, or would like your child to participate in a group, please feel free to contact me!
- Individual Counseling
Individual counseling at the school level seeks to remove any impediments that may be getting in the way of a student being the best learner that they can be. It is conducted in a confidential setting and is meant to meet any immediate student needs or concerns. Individual counseling at school is short-term in nature and solution- focused.
School counselors may also provide support to parents, teachers, and other community members through teacher or parent consultation, community collaboration, and responsive services.
Please feel free to contact me at any time at (608) 822-3285 ext. 2120 or [email protected] if you have questions regarding guidance services.