Elementary Counseling Page
COUNSELING SERVICES
The School Counseling Services Department provides support and guidance for students to help develop their full educational potential, including the students’ interests and career objectives, while supporting their immediate personal concerns and social development. The counselor team also supports the efforts of teachers, staff, parents and other members of the community in promoting the educational, career, personal and social development of students.
North Lamar ISD School Counselors follow the Texas Comprehensive Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs 5th edition. Their program consists of four components: Guidance Curriculum, Responsive Services, Individual Planning and System Support.
The State of Texas has mandated part of the guidance curriculum to include:
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Victimization,
Drug and Alcohol Awareness,
Healthy Relationships (including Dating Violence),
Healthy Emotions (including Suicide Prevention), and
Post-Secondary Planning
Also, lessons are provided that promote the Essential Eight, build Social Emotional Learning skills, and incorporate the following additional character traits and personal skills: Trustworthiness, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Good Citizenship, and School Pride.
Mission
The mission of North Lamar ISD school counseling program is to provide support and guidance to all students as a means to foster academic success, post-secondary and career preparation, and personal social and emotional development through guidance curriculum, responsive services, individual planning and system support, which will prepare them to lead successful and productive lives.
Philosophy
The North Lamar Independent School District is dedicated to the belief that an effective program of Guidance and Counseling is an integral part of the total educational program of each student. These services assist all pupils directly or indirectly in making use of their abilities for their own development and for the good of our society. The guidance program is directed toward the personal, social, emotional, intellectual, career and aesthetic adjustment and growth of each student.
As Professional School Counselors, we:
Through guidance curriculum, we will facilitate awareness, skill development, and application of the skills needed in everday life.
Through responsive services, we will address immediate concerns of students with prevention and intervention strategies.
Through individual planning, we will assist students in student planning and goal setting.
Through system support, we will provide consultation and education
Through character education development and guidance lessons our counselors provide social-emotional learning.
North Lamar ISD School Counselors’ Qualifications
North Lamar ISD school counselors hold a professional certificate in counseling issued by the Texas Education Agency on the recommendation of the college or university where the counselor has obtained a master’s degree in counseling.
Counselors continually update their skills by attending workshops and conferences in an effort to further their education in areas such as trauma and loss, conflict resolution, crisis management, educational planning and student development.
Tools for Growing Strong Minds & Calm Hearts
Resources to Help Your Child
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Tips for Calming First Day Jitters
Summertime offers a much-needed break from the demands and stresses of school. But sometimes when kids head back to school, they feel anxious and nervous. This year may be especially stressful if kids are returning to in-person school after learning at home for so long. While you might not be able to snuff out all of your grade-schooler’s concerns, you can help calm those normal first-day jitters. Here are some key ways.
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Back to School Anxiety
How to help kids manage worries and have a successful start to the school year
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Anxiety
Learn about different types of anxiety, signs of the disorder, and how to support anxious kids in school and at home.
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50 Calm-Down Ideas to Try with Kids of All Ages
Navigating childhood challenges can be stressful, and sometimes deep breathing isn’t the solution that works for your child. When your child is in need of tension relief, try one of these techniques:
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Child Development by Age
A resource to help parents do the best job they can to raise their children
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College and Career Exploration
There’s a cool career for every kid! Explore career options from A to Z with the Lab Squad kids as they meet and interview career professionals. The kids share lots of career ideas in every episode so be sure to watch them all, A to Z! If a kid can see it, they can be it!
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Healthy Coping Strategies for Kids and Teens
Coping isn’t something we’re born knowing how to do; it’s something we learn how to do with practice. It’s never too early or too late to start developing healthy coping skills in kids and teens. And teaching them healthy coping strategies will help them become more resilient (better able to handle life’s ups and downs). Learn about what coping skills are and how to teach them to kids.
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Following Directions
For many kids, following even the simplest of instructions can be a daily struggle, whether it’s a small ask, such as putting away a single ball, or a more complicated one, such as picking up a messy playroom.
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A Parent’s Resource Guide to Social and Emotional Learning
A curated list of articles and videos for parents about fostering skills like kindness, empathy, resilience, perseverance, and focus in children.
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If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
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Helping kids cope with grief
Your love and support can help children understand death and cope with grief.
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Grief Support Resource Library
The death of a family member, friend, or other significant person is a lifelong loss for children. It is important to note that grief reactions in children are varied, wide-ranging, and unique to each individual. These resources were created as a tool for those supporting a child who is grieving, and we encourage you to use and share them freely. If you are seeking direct support, please visit our Find Support page.
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Helping kids identify and express feelings
Learning to identify and express feelings in a positive way helps kids develop the skills they need to manage them effectively. Here are some tips on how to encourage your child to express their feelings.
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Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media improves the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media.
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NetSmartz Kidz
The NetSmartz program offers age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement.
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PBS Parents
Explore PBS Parents, a trusted source for information on child development, early learning and expert tips on raising children. Enjoy educational kids activities and fun games for toddlers, preschoolers and children of all ages inspired by your kid's favorite PBS Kids programs.
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Kids Against Bullying-PACER Center
A place to learn about bullying prevention and take action.