Elementary School Counseling
The Elementary School Counseling program is designed to address the social, emotional, and developmental needs of students, families, and faculty that arise within the Hyde Park community.
We are a Responsive Classroom school. Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness. All of our teachers have been trained in these practices. We begin each day with a Morning Meeting and end in a Closing Circle.
The elementary counselor is able to provide short-term counseling and consultation, crisis management, ongoing support for academic and emotional needs, and referrals to community and mental health resources. The counselor facilitates small groups of students in social skills, navigating friendships, and conflict resolution. The elementary counselor collaborates with the middle school counselor to offer monthly opportunities for parents including speakers and discussions on a wide variety of parenting topics.
The primary facets at the elementary school counseling level include:
- Providing direct and indirect counseling service.
- Wellness and social emotional educations for students, parents, and faculty.
- Consultation and collaboration with administration and faculty.
- Serving as a liason amongst students, parents, and outside agencies or professionals in order to plan and implement strategies that empower students to be successful both in and outside of the Hyde Park Community.
The objective of Hyde Park Middle School’s Counseling Department is to provide a comprehensive and collaborative counseling program that facilitates the needs of students, parents, educators within the Hyde Park community. Additionally, the HPMS counseling department remains committed to building authentic, engaged, and trusting relationships with all students and families. The following are key components of the Hyde Park Middle School Counseling Department:
Individual Counseling:
Maintain dedicated office hours for students and/or parents to request private meeting times to discuss issues or concerns.
Group Counseling:
Establish peer supported counseling groups based on needs and interests. Most groups run six weeks at a time with the option of extending into follow-up individual counseling.
Social/Emotional Learning:
Facilitate the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal relationships, and responsible decision making for all Hyde Park students.
Clubs/Organizations:
Develop and lead proactive, engaging organizations that offer students the opportunity to work collaboratively for the express purpose of achieving a common objective.
Classroom Guidance:
Develop lessons and activities to present in students’ advisory classes that support the SEL Advisory objectives and curriculum.
Parent Support:
Through programs like Parent University and Coffee With The Counselors, offer opportunities to interact with parents regarding topics of interest and presentations.
Academics & Testing:
Administer CTP5 standardized testing.
Facilitate National Junior Honor Society & DUKE Tip identification programs.
Manage A.P.T. (Academic Peer Tutoring) program at HPMS.
Social/Emotional Counseling:
The social and emotional well-being of our students is of utmost importance, and Hyde Park strives to address challenges that interfere with students’ ability to function in school. In instances where outside support is necessary, all our counselors can refer a wide array of resources, from neuropsychological testing to family or individual counseling.
HPHS is equipped with a licensed mental health professional who is qualified to meet the immediate needs of students in crisis and daily difficulties. While maintaining professional obligation to confidentiality, the high school Student Support Counselor collaborates with parents, faculty, and outside clinicians to provide in-school support.
For immediate emergency (you are concerned about your child and they are at risk of hurting themself, others, or they are being harmed in any way) outside of school hours, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room and contact their physician/therapist.
Guidance Counseling:
When students enter Hyde Park they begin a journey of self-exploration. Our goal is to help students on this journey to develop a Christ-like character that prepares them for life beyond Hyde Park. The counseling department assists students with community service efforts and promotes participation in activities such as sports, drama, church service, the arts, student government, and many other extracurricular activities to teach students Christ-like behavior.
Academic Counseling:
Whether students are entering 9th grade or finishing up their senior year, they will have a caring counselor directing them along the way. Hyde Park Schools counselors help students select appropriate courses based on academic skill level, personal interest, and overall academic goals. These course selections help create an overall academic resume that students will use when applying for colleges, and Hyde Park Schools counselors will help students tailor their course selections accordingly.
College Counseling:
The HPHS Counseling Team works diligently to help Hyde Park graduates confidently enter university campuses across our nation. To accomplish this, Hyde Park Schools college counselor works closely with families to put students in the best position for acceptance. This process begins in 9th grade and continues until the acceptance letter is received. The college counselor helps students with college exploration, resume and essay writing, ACT/SAT preparation, application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and many other aspects of the college application process. Families will work closely with the college counselor to determine the best approach for their students.
