WE ARE UTVA
Challenging Minds
Creating Opportunities
Leading Change
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAMS
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a basic part of education and human development. All of our elementary students will be taught monthly social and emotional learning guidance lessons in their classroom. These lessons focus on helping students to develop character traits that will enable them to achieve social, emotional and academic success. To learn more, visit our SEL page for more information on our monthly topics.
LIFE SKILLS GROUP
Throughout the year, we will have an after-school life skills and resilience group for students who would benefit from more in-depth practice with a variety of social and emotional skills. Generally, the students in these groups are referred to us from teachers and parents, but all students are welcome. Students will learn how to build character and confidence, manage stress and anxiety, strengthen their self esteem and develop a positive outlook.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Occasionally students may need to meet with the school counselor on an individual basis. These meetings are shorter check-in visits where the counselor can listen to concerns, offer encouragement and focus on helping students manage emotions and behaviors. Our goal is to help students overcome obstacles, learn to problem solve and reach their potential. Schedule an appointment with me HERE.
JR AMBASSADORS - LEADERSHIP
Jr. Ambassadors are a group of students who show great leadership qualities and are examples to their peers. They are respectful, ambitious, responsible, helpful, problem solvers, honest and hard working. Each student in this group is nominated by their teachers and will be able to participate in leadership classes. They will also have many opportunities to help other students and their community through service opportunities throughout the year.
CALM CORNER
The Calm Corner is a dedicated place for students to visit when they are experiencing strong emotions and need a moment of mindfulness to help them calm down, reduce stress and improve behavior. We have included several links to soothing activities that will help them cope. It’s our hope that students will gain independence by choosing strategies that work for them and that they will begin a habit of mindfulness, checking in and reflecting on what they need to support their well being.
SOCIAL CLUB
Social Club promotes healthy student connections and wellness. If you have been thinking about how cool it would be to hang out virtually with other UTVA students your same age, doing some fun activities together, come join us at social club. We meet a few times a month and have different activities and games planned so that you can get to know other students and make new friends who like some of the same things that you do! Look for this club on your schedule, it’s optional to join.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING PURPOSE
“Elementary school counselors have an impact on [the elementary] years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social and emotional skills in response to issues they face.”