About the Elementary Guidance
Department in Peters Township
The
Peters Township School District provides guidance counselors at all levels.
Elementary guidance counselors address the academic, social and emotional needs
of students and their families. The Elementary Guidance Curriculum addresses
personal, social and early career development through classroom lessons.
Counselors assist students’ development of interpersonal skills through
individual and small group counseling. Students may be referred to counselors
by parents, teachers or through self-referral.
Why is the school counselor a good
resource?
At Pleasant
Valley, the goal is for students to have a positive experience both
academically and emotionally. Each student is unique and may require attention
in different ways. If you are concerned about any area of your child’s
education, emotional well-being, or would simply like to discuss a situation or
concern, you are invited to call the counseling department.
What types of services does the
counseling department offer?
A
variety of counseling groups are available to students in Kindergarten through
Third Grade:
Friendship Skills Groups focus on the skills
students need to form strong friendships in the elementary grades. Students
meet one time per week for 6-8 weeks in small groups during the school day.
Group activities include discussions, games, and role-play, and drawing.
Changing Family Groups are available for
students whose families may be in transition due to separation, divorce, or
blended families. Groups meet for 6-8 weeks and offer students an opportunity
to share their thoughts and feelings with other students who have experienced
similar situations. The goal of this group is to provide a safe and secure
environment where students can learn skills to help them cope with the changes
in their families. If a student is experiencing a family change and prefers to
meet one-on-one with the counselor as opposed to a group experience, a time can
be scheduled to do so.
Individual Counseling
Services
are available to all students. Students meet one-on one with the counselor to
address academic, social, or emotional concerns. Individual sessions can be
may be referred by teachers, parents, or self-referred.
Grief Groups are available for students who have suffered the loss of a loved one or family member. If a student is experiencing a family change and would prefer to meet one-on-one with the counselor as opposed to a group experience, a time can be scheduled to do so.
How can my child
arrange a time to meet with the school counselor?
A
student may ask his/her teacher to arrange a time to meet with the school
counselor. Also, a
student can talk with his/her parents at home in order to arrange a time.
New to Peters Township? We have small
groups to check in with your child.
New
Student Groups meet at the beginning of the school year to assist new students
as they make their transition to Pleasant Valley. The group focus
is on sharing thoughts and feelings about making friends. Activities include
discussion, role-play, games, and drawing.
Who is the school counselor at Pleasant
Valley? How can I get in touch with her?
Stephanie Ali is thrilled to be a
part of the Pleasant Valley team. She has been part of the Peters Township
School District for over ten years and loves working with children. Feel free
to stop and say hello next time you are visiting Pleasant Valley. Stephanie's email is