Newton Parrish Elementary Guidance Counseling Program

Guidance Counselor-Jennifer Pritchett

Phone 270-686-1096, email– jennifer.pritchett@owensboro.kyschools.us

 The mission of the Newton Parrish Elementary Guidance Counseling Program is to implement a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program promoting student success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy, mentoring, and social and emotional development.

Elementary counseling and guidance services are available to all students at Newton Parrish Elementary School, not just those in a crisis situation.

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What is a School Guidance Counselor?

Why contact a School Guidance Counselor?

What does an Elementary School Counselor do?

How can I refer a student to the School Counselor?

Elementary School Counselors believe...

What is a guidance program?

What is a School Guidance Counselor?

The role of the school counselor at Newton Parrish Elementary is to help all students fully develop their academic, personal, and social abilities.  The counselor is an educator who delivers a comprehensive guidance program in the school.

The Professional School Counselor is a certified teacher with a master’s degree or higher in school counseling, including coursework in career development, human growth and behavior, and guidance information services.

Why contact a School Guidance Counselor?

To assist a student with :

· Transition to a new school

· Academic achievement concerns

· Special personal needs of a student

· Crisis situations

· Family transitions (divorce, death, marriage, re-marriage, new sibling, etc.)

· Learn about school mentoring program

What does an Elementary School Counselor do?

· Coordinates the development of a comprehensive guidance plan based on the needs of the students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community

· Counsels with students individually and/or in groups to help students understand and appreciate their unique qualities and grow personally an socially

· Coordinates school mentoring program

· Assists students in crisis situations                                                  

· Helps to identify individual student needs

· Conducts conferences with parents

· Supports students by teaching skills for achieving success

· Works collaboratively with students, parents/guardians, and teachers to identify and remove barriers that may hinder student achievement

· Helps promote positive attitudes among students towards self, family, and community

· Links students with school and community resources through the Family Resource Center and/or other community agencies

School counselors adhere to strict ethical and legal standards
in the performance of these duties.

How can I refer a student to the School Counselor?

• Parent/Guardian referral

• Teacher, administrator, or staff referral

• The school counselor may also meet with a student based on counselor observation.

• Contact school counselor at:  270-686-1096; 510 Byers Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42303; jennifer.pritchett@owensboro.kyschools.us

Elementary School Counselors believe...

· All children have dignity and worth as human beings.

· Children learn best when they feel good about themselves and their relationships with others.

· Children who understand their feelings are better able to control their behavior.

· Children are capable of making responsible choices.

· Attitudes formed during elementary school shape future attitudes toward learning, self, and society.

What is a guidance program?

Classroom Guidance– Counselor teaches classroom lessons addressing basic life-long skills identified as essential for academic and personal success.  These skills include responsible behavior, conflict resolution, respecting others, making healthy decisions, and goal setting, among others.

Responsive Services– Counselors assist students with an immediate personal concern, a crisis, or an issue that may be affecting their achievement in school.  The counselor may provide short-term individual sessions or in a small group with other students that face similar challenges.

System Support– Newton Parrish Elementary School includes many programs designed to support students.  Counselors assist in the referral process of students to appropriate support programs and services provided both within the school setting and to outside agencies.

Elementary counseling and guidance services are available to all students at Newton Parrish Elementary School, not just those in a crisis situation.