School Counselor

The School Counselor at Thurgood Marshall Elementary works to nurture students and provide for them the necessary academic and life skills that will prepare them for successful citizenship at school and beyond. Counseling support is an essential part of education for students at all grade levels.

The counseling department addresses academic, social/emotional, and career exploration with all students. School counselors provide support as they collaborate with educators, families, and the community, to maximize every student’s potential. The counselor is committed to promoting a safe, welcoming environment where academics and healthy relationships are nurtured to promote lifelong learning and global citizenship.

Counseling Program Goals:

1. To provide academic support by making achievement explicit and by connecting students and families to support and resources.
2. To provide social and emotional support by developing social competencies through one on one counseling, group counseling, and classroom guidance lessons.

Basic Services:

1. Classroom Guidance Lessons: at every grade level focusing on skill development, communication, problem solving, bullying, friendship, emotion management and more. 
2. Small Group Counseling: to expand, enrich, and reinforce specific skills in areas such as social skills, emotion management, divorce support, and school success.
3. Individual Counseling: to address specific needs of individuals who may need additional support

Additional Services:

• Academic Problem Solving
• Connecting Families to Community and Mental Health Resources
• Collaborating with Teachers
• Collaborating with Families
• Training Conflict Mediators
• Facilitating Kindness Klub
• Assisting with School Transitions
• School-wide Anti-Bullying Efforts

Conflict Mediator & Recess Mentor Program

The Conflict Mediator and Recess Mentor program is an opportunity for interested 4th and 5th graders to use their leadership and communication skills to help younger students solve problems and have appropriate play at school. All Conflict Mediators go through a required week-long training, facilitated and overseen by Meghan Kaloper the school counselor. The basis of the program was developed by the CRU Institute (Conflict Resolution Unlimited), although the program has been tweaked and changed to fit the needs of our school. In addition, once students have completed the training they have the opportunity to choose between two roles: Conflict Mediator or Recess Mentor. Conflict Mediators primarily work in groups of two to find, intervene, and help solve playground problems. Recess Mentors also work in pairs, but their role is preventive in nature; their main role is to help facilitate games with younger students, model appropriate play, and step in early when scuffles arise.&

Resources/Curriculum:

We utilize resources and curriculum from a variety of sources including:

• Second Step
• Steps to Respect
• Mind Up
• Sound Discipline: Positive Discipline

How to Access Services:

Anyone can access or request services for a student if concerns arise. Those who typically refer students to the counselor are:

• Families
• Teachers
• Administrators
• Specialists
• Students (self-refer)

How? Simply call or email with your concern.

Online & Community Resources:

Puget Sound Adlerian Society Parenting Calendar
A great online resource for parenting classes, support groups, and parent education events in the local area.

SENG: Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
An resource to help families of academically advanced students meet emotional needs and challenges.

Books that Heal
A bibliotherapy blog with children’s books on various topics to help address emotions, development, and life’s changes and challenges.

Parents Helping Parents
A nonprofit parent-directed family resource that provides guidance, support, and services to children with special needs and their families.

Why might families contact the counselor?

There are many common challenges that students experience as they make their way through elementary school. Our counseling program aims to assist with these issues and to alleviate the struggle that kids undergo. The following are some reasons families might contact the counselor:

• Difficulty making friends
• New to Thurgood Marshall
• Academic concerns
• Family changes (moving, death, divorce, etc.)
• Home stress
• Parenting
• Bullying
• Resources or referrals to community agencies
• To discuss special needs for your child
• If you are homeless
• Crisis
• Behavior concerns

Emergency Contacts:

If you are in need of help and it is after school hours, please use the following resources:

Crisis Line: 206-461-3222

Child Protective/Family Reconciliation Services:

Day: 1-800-609-8764
Night: 1-800-562-5624

Other Types of Assistance Such as Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Healthcare:

Dial: 211 or
206-461-3200

Police Department Emergency: Dial 911