Vision Statement:
All students are eligible to receive the benefits of a school counseling and guidance program that is developmental in nature, preventive in design, and comprehensive in scope. As an integral part of the total educational program, credentialed school counselors ensure access to services so that every student is challenged and supported to reach his or her highest potential.
Mission Statement:
The counselors at Pleasant Valley School provide a comprehensive and developmental counseling and guidance program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social needs of students at all grade levels.
School counselors are professional student advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with educators, parents and the community, credentialed school counselors facilitate the support system to ensure that all students in the district are prepared academically and socially with the knowledge and skills to contribute at the highest level as productive members of society.
Program:
Pleasant Valley School offers classroom guidance lessons in Grades Four through Six. As an integral part of the district’s prevention education, all students participate in lessons and activities that are part of the district’s Health and Guidance curriculum. SECOND STEP - A Violence Prevention Curriculum is a researched based program developed by the Committee for Children and is taught in Grades Four and Five. SECOND STEP – STEPPING UP is the program used in Grade Six. The emphasis of the program is to prepare students socially and emotionally for the changes and transitions they will face in Middle School.
The counselors may also provide classroom lessons on a variety of other topics at a teacher’s request.
Individual or group counseling is available for students experiencing situational difficulties on topics including coping skills, family transitions, grief and loss, peer relationships, anger management, substance abuse issues, academic support, and school transitions. These groups and sessions are held as needed and are designed to meet the developmental as well as situational needs of the students. By addressing these areas, the teaching and learning process in the classroom are supported.
The counselors consult with teachers, parents, administrators and staff members in order to facilitate coordination of the internal and external resources of the district.
