Laurelhurst School

Victoria Leary, School Counselor and Teacher

The Laurelhurst Counseling Program 

The primary goal of my program is to ensure that every student is ready and able to receive the education we provide at our wonderful school. When various difficulties get in the way, students are referred to me by teachers, the principal, other staff, parents, and sometimes by the students themselves.  I encourage parents to contact me if they have concerns that things aren't going well for their child, whether at home, at school, and/or in the community.

In addition to helping students and families with a wide variety of difficulties, I also work to promote a respectful, friendly and collaborative atmosphere where students feel safe not only physically but emotionally. One of my programs promotes interaction between diverse students.  4th and 5th graders lead games for younger students at recess once a week during "Game Leaders". The 4th and 5th graders encourage children who may not be very involved with others on the playground. The Game Leaders and I work together to provide games that are fun and fair. Game Leaders teach the games gently to those who may not know the games very well. Younger students can take time to learn the games versus feeling compelled to compete when they aren't ready. And the Game Leaders themselves have the opportunity to improve social and leadership skills.

Often I personally create and carry out plans to increase the school success of individual students.  This often entails working with parents and can include consulting with the teachers, talking with the student, and working in the classroom. It can also include working with outside agencies and counselors.

Services that are part of my program include:

• Coordination of the Building Screening Committee--weekly staffings utilizing the expertise of our staff to brainstorm solutions to student difficulties.
• Coordination of 504 Plans
• Consultation—to parents, teachers, tutors, outside counselors and others.
• Direct instruction in the classroom—School Succes Skills(which is described under the sub-heading of the same name.)
• Guidance counseling to individuals and groups of students.
• Parenting Support and Consultation
• Crisis Intervention--I am available to guide students and families when crisis strikes.

Sometimes the best way I can be of help to students is by referring students or families to other helpers, for example:

• Homework Club
• School Nurse
• School Psychologist
• Outside Counseling Resources
• Food & Clothing Sources.

If you have ideas about how I can improve my program, please let me know.  I welcome new ideas :)