School Counselors
Counseling and Guidance Program
The counseling and guidance program at South Effingham Elementary School is developmental in nature. It is designed to assist students in understanding themselves, achieving to their capacity, and making appropriate decisions through personal, educational, and career counseling.
A developmental program helps students to:
Understand the school environment
Understand self and others
Understand attitudes and behavior
Develop decision-making skills
Develop communication skills
Develop school-success skills
Create career awareness
Create community pride
How Students are Reached
Individual Counseling
Counselors meet privately with students upon request from the student, parent, or staff. We provide a supportive environment to help students sort through problems and can offer outside resources for ongoing needs.
Confidentiality Note: Information shared is confidential, except in cases where reporting is legally required (e.g., safety concerns).
Classroom Guidance
Scheduled monthly in each classroom. Topics include conflict management, friendship, responsibility, and character development.
- Safety Matters program (K-5)
- "Always Changing" Puberty Talk (5th Grade)
Small Group Counseling
Lunch Bunches and Small Support Groups are scheduled throughout the year based on student needs.
Requirement: Parental consent must be secured for all participants.
Consultation
We provide resources and materials for parents and staff. Counselors assist in developing strategies and interventions to support student success and follow up on parent/teacher conferences.
Community Referrals
We work closely with local agencies and the Department of Family and Children Services to provide assistance to families with specific needs.