Janice Musser, school counselor for kindergarten and 1st grade. 

 Janice_V_Musser@mcpsmd.org

Stacey Dworin, school counselor for grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Stacey_N_Dworin@mcpsmd.org

Picture Coming

Ms. Musser and Ms. Dworin

 

What is the role of the school counselor?

Our role as the counselor involves working with students, staff, and parents to create and maintain a safe, supportive school environment that enhances student growth in the following areas: academic, social/emotional, and career development.

 

The academic area covers assisting students with study/organizational skills and helping students learn the skills and attitudes necessary to become successful students and lifelong learners. 

The area of personal/social development includes helping children with self-concept, friendship, and social skills.

Career development may not seem to be an immediate need for elementary students, but introducing the importance of long-term goals is vital to their success. A goal of this area is to teach students about the decision-making process, so they will be better able to make academic, social, and career choices.

 

How Does a Child Meet with the Counselor?

Students may choose to see the counselor or may be referred by teachers, administration, or parents.  It is important to emphasize that we are available to ALL students.  Another part of our role is to consult with parents and teachers about student needs and strategies to promote school success. Please note that counseling in the school setting is typically brief in nature. The school counselor is available to coordinate a referral to a community agency if additional counseling is needed or desired. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your child. 

 

Counseling Program

 As Weller Road’s school counselors, we will be providing service to students in a variety of ways, including classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individual counseling. 

 

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is available to all students to discuss academic, personal, and social issues. School counseling is not therapy but rather brief, short-term support for a student during a crisis situation, an immediate personal concern or a problem that may be affecting their academic success and their ability to focus in school. One-on-one counseling support is available to all students in grades K to 5.

 

Small Group Counseling  

Small group counseling provides support for students with similar academic, social or personal concerns.  Small group counseling involves the counselor working with selected students on topics such as self-esteem, study skills, family changes, friendship and social skills.  Most groups consist of 6-8 students and meet for a limited time. Permission slips will be sent home prior to a student participating in a small group.

 

Classroom Guidance Lessons

Classroom guidance lessons for kindergarten through fifth grade focus on a variety of issues commonly faced by elementary school aged children. A major focus of the counseling program is on prevention and involves classroom activities to develop personal, social and learning skills. Classroom guidance lessons focus on topics like bullying, problem solving skills, academic success, and character education. A goal of classroom guidance is to develop skills, attitudes and behaviors that will assist all students in growing toward social, emotional and academic success. These lessons are preventative in nature. Classrooms lessons occur twice a month for kindergarten and first grade and once a month for grades 2-5.

 

Lunch Bunches

 

During the year, there will be opportunities for your child to have lunch in my office with a small group of friends. This will allow me to get to know your child.