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School Counseling
at Ridgeview Elementary
About Ridgeview's School Counseling Program
The School Counseling Program at Ridgeview Elementary is designed to meet the unique needs of every student. The main focus of the program is to help children acquire the life-long learning skills necessary to be successful learners as well as healthy, happy, well-rounded adults. Here are some of the ways that school counselors help students:
Classroom Visits
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School Counselors visit each classroom regularly to deliver the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling curriculum. Lessons focus on topics that promote academic, social and emotional growth and well-being. These topics include conflict resolution, personal safety, positive self-image and friendship building, among others.
Small Groups
Small group counseling provides a supportive, caring and safe learning environment for students who share common concerns such as coping with divorce or grief, developing social skills, learning how to self-regulate, and building self-confidence. Groups are short-term (6-8 weeks) and are offered at various times during the year. Parent permission is required for participation.
Short-term Individual Counseling
School counselors can provide short-term individual counseling services for students who may need extra support during difficult times or learn coping strategies in a more focused, one-to-one setting. The school counselor will communicate regularly with parents and guardians throughout this process and offer home strategies, resources, and community referrals when needed or requested.
Information and Referrals
The school counselor can offer support and guidance to parents on how to handle concerns and offer information on a wide range of child-related issues. They can also advise parents and guardians on where to go for resources and provide referrals to community agencies.
Classroom Counseling at a Glance:
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Kindergarten and 1st Grade:
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Learning about feelings and how to express them appropriately
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Developing empathy
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Handling conflicts using I-statements
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Coping strategies for uncomfortable emotions
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How to be a good friend
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Healthy bodies and personal safety
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Identifying careers and why people work
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Tattling vs. Reporting
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2nd and 3rd Grade:
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Conflict resolution strategies
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Using I-statements and assertive language
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Learning how to be a good friend
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Tattling vs. Reporting
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Healthy habits and personal safety
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Internet safety
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4th and 5th Grade:
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Building healthy relationships
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Developing self-confidence and sense of self
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Handling difficult emotions
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How to handle peer pressure
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Taking care of oneself
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Conversation and communication skills
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Transitioning to middle school (5th)
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Questions about the school counseling curriculum? Give us a call or send us an email!
Gallery: past and present
Teacher-student connections are critical to a child's learning.
A Note About Confidentiality
We understand the importance of having trusting relationships and good communication with students and parents. Therefore, every effort is made to protect the confidentiality and privacy rights of our students and families. The work of a school counselor is governed by the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). These guidelines state that counselors within the Liberty School District have certain responsibilities to students, parents/guardians, colleagues, professional associates, the school and community and to self (see the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors at www.schoolcounselor.org). The bottom line is that your personal information is:
