The guidance program addresses the academic, career and personal development of the students. The Elementary Counselor’s role is seen as three-fold: Counselor, Coordinator and Consultant. It is felt that the Elementary Counselor, in these roles is answering a real need in the elementary child’s educational life with help of a preventative nature.

I visit every classroom once a month for a guidance lesson. We discuss topics like: Listening Skills, Following Directions, Getting Along with Others, Anger Management, Study Skills, or Test Taking Skills. I also meet with students in small groups to discuss common concerns such as loss, anger or social skills. Parents and students can also make an appointment with me to discuss individual concerns and problems.

I organize two programs at Glendale. The first is our Second Step Program that teaches pro-social skills in hopes to enhance respectful behavior, impulse/anger control, interpersonal skills, and empathy. Their classroom teacher teaches the students lessons each week. The second program is the Mentoring Program, which is implemented to help students reach academic and social success. The students are paired with a staff member who acts as an advisor and special friend while at school. The goals of the program are to improve the student’s academic progress, to help the student develop a positive self-image, to help the student develop positive social skills and to instill in the student a sense of belonging to the school community.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child please contact me, Mrs. Amanda Ness, through the school or my email: aness@aacps.org.