What services does the counselor provide?
The school counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success. Direct services to students include: classroom instruction, appraisal and advisement, individual and small group counseling. Indirect student services include: consultation with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizers, collaboration with educators, parents, and the community, and referrals to support students and families with school and community resources.
How does my student get referred to the counselor?
Students can see their school counselor via self-referral, parental request, request of the counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral. You can fill out a referral form for a student here. - link to google form
How do parents contact the counselor?
Parents are invited to contact the school counselor at any time via phone or email regarding their child. We can discuss your concerns over the phone or you can come in to meet with me. We can be reached by phone by calling the Indian Trail Elementary School office at 614-833-2154 and asking for whichever school counselor you are looking for. You can also reach us through email Beth Hinshaw at [email protected] or Brett Kodger at [email protected].
For how long does the school counselor see the student?
Sessions may be held on a regular, on-going basis or simply as needed. The counselor's priority is for the student to succeed here at school and to do so the student must be in his/her classroom as much as possible. Therefore the counselor will not remove the student from his/her class for longer than 30 minutes unless crisis management is needed.
How do I get referred for outside services?
There are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary, such as when there are difficulties at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment, mental health concerns, etc.) that are either not affecting the child at school or could benefit from professional therapeutic support. If you decide private counseling is necessary for your family, the counselor can provide information regarding local counseling agencies.
I’m concerned about a student’s safety. What should I do?
Our first job as educators is to ensure the safety of our students. Please report your concerns to your child’s teacher, a staff member, the school counselor, or an administrator. You can also fill out the Stay Safe. Speak Up! Safety Report
What are the parameters around confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless: 1. The child is in imminent danger. 2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else. 3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect. 4. The child gives permission to disclose. When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, the counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation. Note: Our highest priority is keeping your student safe. School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to CPS any time a student is suspected of being in danger.
Why would my child see you?
Students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Some concerns, but not limited to are: behavioral difficulties, social/emotional concerns, conflict with peers, attendance concerns and academic concerns.
Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. If a counselor will be seeing a student on an on-going basis, the counselor will then notify the parent and seek parental consent for school counseling.
The school counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success. Direct services to students include: classroom instruction, appraisal and advisement, individual and small group counseling. Indirect student services include: consultation with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizers, collaboration with educators, parents, and the community, and referrals to support students and families with school and community resources.
How does my student get referred to the counselor?
Students can see their school counselor via self-referral, parental request, request of the counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral. You can fill out a referral form for a student here. - link to google form
How do parents contact the counselor?
Parents are invited to contact the school counselor at any time via phone or email regarding their child. We can discuss your concerns over the phone or you can come in to meet with me. We can be reached by phone by calling the Indian Trail Elementary School office at 614-833-2154 and asking for whichever school counselor you are looking for. You can also reach us through email Beth Hinshaw at [email protected] or Brett Kodger at [email protected].
For how long does the school counselor see the student?
Sessions may be held on a regular, on-going basis or simply as needed. The counselor's priority is for the student to succeed here at school and to do so the student must be in his/her classroom as much as possible. Therefore the counselor will not remove the student from his/her class for longer than 30 minutes unless crisis management is needed.
How do I get referred for outside services?
There are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary, such as when there are difficulties at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment, mental health concerns, etc.) that are either not affecting the child at school or could benefit from professional therapeutic support. If you decide private counseling is necessary for your family, the counselor can provide information regarding local counseling agencies.
I’m concerned about a student’s safety. What should I do?
Our first job as educators is to ensure the safety of our students. Please report your concerns to your child’s teacher, a staff member, the school counselor, or an administrator. You can also fill out the Stay Safe. Speak Up! Safety Report
What are the parameters around confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless: 1. The child is in imminent danger. 2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else. 3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect. 4. The child gives permission to disclose. When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, the counselor would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation. Note: Our highest priority is keeping your student safe. School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to CPS any time a student is suspected of being in danger.
Why would my child see you?
Students may be referred to the school counselor if there are concerns that are inhibiting their learning here at school. Some concerns, but not limited to are: behavioral difficulties, social/emotional concerns, conflict with peers, attendance concerns and academic concerns.
Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. If a counselor will be seeing a student on an on-going basis, the counselor will then notify the parent and seek parental consent for school counseling.