Counselor's Corner

  • The purpose of the East Elementary School counseling office is to foster motivation and success in all of our students. We want our students to be excited and take ownership of their learning. A positive attitude and high regard for self and others will allow students at East Elementary School to soar to great heights in all their endeavors.


    What does the School Counselor Do?

    As school counselors, our goal is to help our students to recognize and make the best of their abilities. Through classroom guidance lessons, small group and individual sessions, we provide support and guidance to each student to help them in their social and academic success. We work with students, teachers and parents to address the needs of our children.

    Individual Counseling

    School counselors may see students on an individual basis as needed. Referrals may be made by teachers, parents, other students or the students themselves. Parents will be notified if a counselor sees the need to continue meeting with a student individually. Reasons to see a counselor individually may be peer conflict, home situations, anxiety, stress, grief, depression, academic struggles, behavior concerns and so forth.

    Classroom Guidance

    School counselors visit classrooms on a regular basis and conduct lessons on a variety of topics, such as listening skills, teamwork, self-esteem, study skills, organizational skills, positive relationships, communication skills, bullying prevention and so forth.

    Small Group Counseling

    Students may be identified to participate in small group counsleing sessions. Students who participate must have parental permission. The purpose of each group is to provide additional support to those students on a specific issue or topic. Small groups are tailored to focus on issues such as conflict resolution, friendship skills and study skills.

    Terrific Kids Program

    Terrific Kids is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Monroe, N.C.. This program recognizes individuals who demonstrate positive character traits. Selected Terrific Kids are celebrated throughout the year. Families are invited to special luncheons to honor the Terrific Kids.

    Backpack Buddy Program

    The Backpack Buddy Program helps provide additional support to specific students by sending home a bag of donated food every Friday afternoon. Donations are provided by local churches and other community organizations. The program is dependent upon donations from our sponsors. If you are interesting in receiving support or becoming a sponsor, please contact one of the school counselors, Paul Debnam or Jennifer Lodge at (704) 296-3110.

    Behavior Management / Crisis Response

    School counselors are trained in the expertise of behavior management and crisis response. Behavior management involves consultation and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to help each student become successful. Counselors are available and often are the first to respond and intervene during a crisis situation.

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Confidentiality Statement

  • School counselors recognize their primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives (ASCA Code of Ethics).

    The role of the school counselor in regards to confidentiality is:

    • To support the students right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardian and staff members
    • To explain the meaning and limits of confidentiality to students in developmentally appropriate terms
    • To provide appropriate disclosure and informed consent regarding the counseling relationship and confidentiality
    • To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when: Student poses a danger to self or others, Court ordered disclosure, Consultation with other professionals in support of the student i.e. colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel
    • To keep personal notes separate from educational records and not disclose their contents except when privacy exceptions exist
    • To seek guidance from supervisors and appropriate legal advice when their records are subpoenaed
    • To assert their belief that information shared by students is “confidential” and should not be revealed without the student’s consent
    • To adhere to all laws protecting student records, health information, and special services (i.e., HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA)