Counselor’s Corner
Check out my introduction to the 2020-2021 school year HERE.
Hello! My name is Carrie Weers and I am the professional school counselor at Samuelson Elementary. I am very excited about working with all the students at Samuelson and would welcome the opportunity to visit with you also. There will be more details to come on how classroom lessons will be delivered and how you can access them. I also will be working with small groups and individuals and will reach out to families on how that will work. I’m here to support families during this uncertain time in any way I can. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at (515) 242-8441 or email me at: carrie.weers@dmschools.org. Check out the Counselor’s Corner on our school website: samuelson.dmschools.org.
WHAT DOES THE ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR DO?
Sees children individually
Works with children in small groups
Conducts classroom guidance lessons
Works with parents
Works with teachers
Acts as a liaison with outside agencies
Uses the community as a resource
WHERE DOES THE CHILD SEE THE COUNSELOR?
In the counselor’s offices
In the classroom
In the hall
On the playground
In the lunchroom
WHO DOES THE ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR HELP?
The counselor helps children…
Recognize their strengths and weaknesses to achieve better in school
Build self-confidence and self-esteem
Learn decision-making and problem-solving skills
Establish and maintain healthy relationship with others
Learn self-respect and dignity
Deal with concerns, feelings, and goals
Learn communication and leadership skills
Better understand themselves and others
Gain valuable social skills
Gain valuable citizenship skills
The counselor helps parents…
Learn about their child’s growth and development
Appreciate their child’s abilities, limitations, and progress in school
Encourage a home atmosphere for emotional security and personal growth
Help their child learn to cope with crises arising within the family (divorce, death, serious illness, etc.)
WHY DO WE HAVE AN ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR?
To foster a sense of self-worth and belonging which are necessary before a child can grow academically
To promote a positive school environment
To help children deal with the increasing number of choices they face
To combat the high incidence of drug abuse in our society
To implement a program of prevention
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOPICS COVERED?
Personal Safety
Problem Solving
Study Skills
Feelings/Life Changes
Self-Esteem
Cooperation & Friendship
Understanding Diversity
Conflict Management Skills
Violence Prevention
Group Skills