SCES COUNSELORS

O U R S E R V I C E S

SCES School Counseling Program

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is goal-focused and short-term in nature. The individual counseling process helps students identify problems, causes, alternatives, and possible consequences so that they can make decisions and take appropriate actions. As School Counselors we do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in the school setting. Mental health counseling and providing counseling for students who have experienced traumatic events are outside the scope of school counseling. If you are in need of a local area list of behavioral and mental health providers, please see the "Helpful Handouts" section of my website.

Classroom Lessons

Our Counselors visit each classroom at least Monthly. Classroom lessons address the South Carolina Guidance and Counseling State Standards and the American School Counselor Association’s Mindset and Behavior Standards. These lessons enhance growth and development in the following 3 domains: Academic, Social/Emotional, and Career. We will also address personal safety as required by South Carolina State Law (Erin’s Law) during classroom lessons. Whenever possible, we plan to utilize evidence-based curriculum to guide our teaching. We also create lessons based on classroom needs and often utilize children's literature in lessons. Classroom lessons allow us to deliver the required standards set forth by the SC State Department of Education. They also allow us to build rapport with all students so they will have an established relationship with us should they need our support individually in the future.

Small Group

We provide small groups to help students overcome issues impeding achievement or school success. Group topics offered are based on data (achievement, behavior, attendance, etc) and student needs.

Small Group topics may include the following:
*School Success Skills*
*Social Skills*
*Self Regulation*
*Grief & Loss*
*Family Changes*
*Self-Esteem*

Small group sizes range from 4-6 students per group and tend to run 6-8 weeks in length. Small group meeting times are determined based on teacher recommendation to ensure that participants do not miss core academic work. Your child may be referred for a small group by a teacher/staff member, parent, or by self-referral. If your child is referred for a small group then a permission slip will be sent home. If you believe your child would benefit from participating in a small group, please contact your child's counselor to discuss possibilities.

Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Data Inspired * Student Centered * Solution Focused

Mission Statement:
The Sugar Creek Elementary school counseling program aims to prepare all students for academic, social/emotional, and career success while inspiring lifelong learners. We strive to achieve this by putting children first every day along with providing a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling programming. At Sugar Creek Elementary, the school counselors collaborate with educational stakeholders to increase equity and access to opportunity for all students. The Sugar Creek Elementary School Counseling Program promotes a safe, healthy, and supportive learning community. As a result, our students will leave elementary school prepared with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to achieve success in college, careers, and citizenship.

Vision Statement:
The Sugar Creek Elementary School Counseling Program will realize success when students:

Successfully transition to middle school and beyond using attitudes, knowledge, and skills that allow them to navigate challenges and overcome barriers to success.
Leave elementary school with learning strategies, self-management skills, and social skills that will prepare them for success in college, careers, and citizenship.
Are connected with and contribute to their community by having formed positive, meaningful relationships with educational stakeholders.
Have a deep respect for diversity and motivation to take action against injustice.
Reach their full potential in all areas of life including academic, social/emotional, and career development.

How We Help Teachers and Parents

The School Counselor assists teachers in…

Developing a more effective classroom climate
Utilizing student data for student support
Providing quality advisory sessions
Planning classroom counseling lesson activities

The School Counselor Assists Parents by…

Providing information to assist their children in academic, career and social development
Providing parents with internal (school) and external (community) resources to support their children
Offer a quarterly district wide parent session to assist in educating parents on current trends and alternative strategies to assist in specified needed areas
Quarterly Informal News Letters