Guidance

Your School Counselor provides education to ALL students in the classroom setting. This provides consistent learning and skill development. It also allows us to observe and evaluate classroom and student needs.  Lessons cover a variety of developmentally appropriate topics including: emotions, coping skills, communication skills, friendships, conflict resolution, teamwork, diversity, tolerance, problem-solving, self-esteem, respect, responsibility, personal safety, healthy choices, strengths, career interests, and community building.

Group counseling is provided for small groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These may include making and keeping friends, anger management, coping with separation/divorce and or loss, getting organized/study skills and/or improving self-esteem. The groups generally range from 4 to 6 students and last for 4 to 6 sessions. The students for these groups can be recommended by parents/guardians or by staff members.

Short term one-on-one counseling support is available to all students in grades K to 5. Students may self-refer or be referred to the counselors by teachers/staff and/or parents. Confidentiality is respected.

We are available to have meetings with teachers, administrators and/or parents to discuss the needs of individual students. We are here for all students and want to ensure that your child has a productive and positive school year. If we can support your child in anyway, please don't hesitate to contact one of us. Any student can request to meet with us or they can be referred by a teacher, administrator, or parent.  We encourage you to reach out if you have concerns regarding your child.

Make time to communicate to your child the importance of education.

•         "How did school go today? What did you learn?"

Work with your child to help him or her develop a positive attitude towards schoolwork.

Practice patience and tolerance.

•        "You seem discouraged. Let's go over your mistakes together so that you'll be able to avoid them next time."

Provide encouragement to your child whenever possible.

Positive, constructive criticism is the way to go.

•        "Great! This report has many good ideas. Lets see if we can work on arranging your thoughts a little better."

Emphasize what your child does right.

•        "Until now you've been doing great. Let's see if we can get you back on track. "

Continue to expect an increase in accomplishment.

•        "It looks like a tough project, but with all that you have accomplished so far, I know you can do it!"

Be a good listener and pay attention to your responding tone of voice.

Be available to discuss problems your child is having, whether they are large or small.

Compare your child's progress to his/her own record.

•         "Let's not worry about your friends test grade. It's you and your achievement that I care about."

Avoid labeling!

•         "Edward never takes the time to read the directions and always gets it wrong!"

Support self-expression and creativity.

Set up your child's time schedule to include a balance of work, play, and study.

Involve children in real chores & helping tasks to give them a sense of accomplishment.

Take part in your child's education- be active in his or her school.

Show your love and affection for your child – Every Day!

Information and Referral

• Child and Family Resources 973-927-6060
• First Call For Help 2-1-1
• Mental Health Association of Morris County 973-334-3496
• Morris County Prevention is the Key 973-625-1998
• NJ Self-Help Group Clearing House 800-367-6274
• NJ State Office on Disability Services 888-285-3036
• Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc., 800-654-7726

Crisis Intervention

• Chilton Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Service 973-831-5078
• Morristown Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Emergency service 973-540-0100
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK
• Saint Clare's Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Service 973-625-0280
• Sexual Assault Hotline 973-829-0587

Families and Youth at Risk

• Caring Partners 973-770-5505
• Child Abuse Hotline 877-NJABUSE
• Crisis Mobile Response Stabilization Service 877-652-7624
• Family Intervention Services 973-586-5243
• Parents Anonymous 800-843-5437
• Traumatic Loss Coalition 973-839-2521 x 228