Counselor’s Corner

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