What is an Elementary School Counselor?

School counselors are trained and certified in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs through: ​

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Classroom guidance lessons
• Teacher/parent consultations
• Community referrals
• Liaison between families and community agencies

Learn more about School Counseling in the Herkimer CSD.

​Counseling Services

Structured small group counseling is also provided as needs arise. Groups are usually formed from the school counselor individual caseload or upon the request of teachers. Frequent themes are anxiety, divorce, self-esteem, anger management, coping skills, test-taking skills (organization, time management) and friendship skills.

Attendance

The school counselor can assist parents and teachers when circumstances interfere with a student’s regular presence in school. The district sets specific requirements regarding student attendance. Herkimer Elementary School policy recognizes the following excused absences:

• Illness of the student
• Death in the immediate family
• Quarantine
• Student appointments

All other absences are considered unexcused.  Please know that a written note regarding the reason for the student’s absence is required. However, a written note does not mean that the absence will be excused if the circumstances do not meet the policy guidelines.

When a student’s absences reach certain benchmarks, a letter will be sent home notifying parents. An individual attendance plan may be developed with the student and parent. With repeated absences due to the illness of a student, medical verification may be requested. Occasionally, court intervention is necessary when parents are not able to comply with the compulsory attendance law.

Refer to the Herkimer Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook for more information on guidelines.

Tardiness

The school day begins at 8:45 a.m. Students are expected to be in the classroom at the bell ready to begin instruction. If the student develops a pattern of constant tardiness, the school counselor will discuss the concern of tardiness with the parent and find ways to remedy the problem.

As your school counselor, it is my job to assist all students in having a positive and productive experience at school.  School counselors help to empower students to feel good about themselves and aid them in the process of making positive decisions that lead to healthy and meaningful lives. Every child has the potential to thrive!