The School Counselor and Character Education
The school counselor teaches skills in the 5 MCPS Student Counseling Standards (PDF): Academic Development, Personal Development, Interpersonal Development, Career Development, and Healthy Development.
In alignment with these MCPS Student Counseling Standards, the Stonegate counselor will teach specifically to the Stonegate Core Values: Responsibility, Respect, Collaboration and Commitment.
Individual Counseling:
The school counselor addresses individual needs, and concerns which can impede academic achievement. Students can self-refer themselves to see the counselor when needed through “Catch the Counselor” forms located in the blue sand buckets in each classroom. Students then place these in the counselor's sand bucket located on the table outside the counseling classroom. Parents and teachers can also refer their students to see the counselor at any time without a form.
Small Group Counseling:
The school counselor leads small groups to teach skills and provide support in specific areas of need such as improving social interactions with peers, improving classroom behavior, adjustment to school, family changes, study skills, organizational skills, self-concept and esteem, and coping skills. Small groups will focus on the Stonegate Core Values as well. Groups are 30 minutes in duration, meet during the lunch/recess hour for 6-8 weeks, and groups consist of about 4-6 students.
Classroom Guidance Lessons:
Classroom lessons are a collaborative effort between teachers and counselors. The counselor works with the teachers to meet the needs of each classroom. Lessons are focused on the Stonegate Core Values as well as the 5 MCPS Student Counseling Standards. Some topics within these areas of development may include:
- Study Skills
- Learning Styles
- Conflict Resolution
- Confidence building
- Decision making
- Goal setting
- Effective communication
- Careers
- Personal safety
Individual Planning:
The school counselor assists students, in close collaboration with parents, to make good decisions about academic program, educational choices, personal goals, and career opportunities.
School Program Support:
The school counselor supports school programs, school climate, and academic achievement. Alongside staff, the counselor provides incentives to student who model Stonegate Core Values. As implemented, students will earn a Shark for demonstrating these behaviors. Through the distribution of Sharks to Core Value students, staff members reinforce Character Education as they reward students for positive behavior.
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