Cold Spring Elementary School

Introduction: 

Hello parents, students, and staff!

I am excited to begin the 2011-2012 school year with all of you this Fall! As a previous counseling intern at Cold Spring I know many of you, but there are many who I have yet to meet. I hope that you will feel free to stop by my room and say hello or let me know if there is any way I can help you. I have provided some information below on areas where I can be of assistance.  This is not an all inclusive list, rather it is a starting point to familiarize you with some of the areas I work in. Please feel free to contact me anytime via the information below!

Go Cold Spring Cougars!

Ms. Hernandez

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Contact Info: 

Parent/Guardian Visit: Sign in at front office. To get to my room, walk straight down the main hall until it dead ends, make a right, and my room will be the second to last door on the left…

*Parents can call the school counselor at any time for a phone conference or to set up a school visit.

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Who Are School Counselors? 

Parent Flyer:  Link                   Video:  Who are School Counselors? 

Why Elementary School Counselors?  

Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success. The professional elementary school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.       

Elementary School Students’ Developmental Needs 

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

Elementary School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing: 

School Guidance Curriculum 

- Academic support, including organizational, study and test-taking skills

- Goal setting and decision-making

- Career awareness, exploration and planning

- Education on understanding self and others

Peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills  

- Communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution

- Substance abuse education

- Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning 

 - Academic planning

- Goal setting/decision- making

- Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

- Transition plans

Responsive Services 

 - Individual and small-group counseling

 - Individual/family/school crisis intervention

- Conflict resolution

- Consultation/collaboration

- Referrals

System Support 

 - Professional development

- Consultation, collaboration and teaming

- Program management and operation