Monroe Elementary Counseling

Welcome back, Hornet Families! Please check this page often to see what's happening in the school counseling department. We look forward to working with your students throughout the school year. If you have any questions regarding counseling services for your child please feel free to reach out to us.

Resources for Parents

Resources for Students

Contact Information

MES Counseling Supports

School Counselors are here to help you and your students. Here are some ways we can offer support:

• Individual Services: One-on-one counseling support is available to all students. Students may self-refer or be referred to the counselors by teachers/staff and/or parents. Confidentiality is respected. Individual counseling typically lasts 6-8 sessions and then a decision is made regarding next steps (i.e. outside counseling, group counseling, or monthly check ins). Please see the Individual Counseling tab for more information.

  • As it is difficult to learn when worries and concerns are on students' minds, short-term individual counseling is available to ALL students in need at the request of the student, parent, or staff member.

    If a student would like to meet with us that can ask their teacher to see us while at school. Teachers can email us or stop by our office with a referral at anytime. Parents may refer a student by phone, or e-mail. While students may see us at any time for brief discussions, parental permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions. All counseling interactions are confidential, with the exception of disclosure in order to prevent potential harm to your child or someone else. We strive to earn students' trust by letting them know "What's said in here stays in here;" however, in the case of a reoccurring issue or more serious concern we will communicate the pertinent information to the parent/guardian. Through individual counseling, students are able to express concerns in a safe environment where problem solving can then take place.

    Individual Counseling Parameters: While individual counseling is an integral part of every school counseling program, parents should understand and be informed that it is not the role of a school counselor to act as intensive, long-term therapist. If a parent requests sessions of a weekly, structured, scheduled, manner; these sessions will be limited to no more than 6-8 sessions, after which the parents can work with the school counselor to make a decision regarding next steps (i.e. outside counseling, group counseling, or monthly check ins).

• Small Group Counseling: provided for small groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These may include making and keeping friends, anger management, coping with separation/divorce and or loss, getting organized/study skills and/or improving self-esteem. The groups generally range from 4 to 6 students and last for 6 to 8 sessions. The students for groups can be recommended by parents/guardians or by staff members. Permission slips must be signed by parents for students to participate in groups. 

  • Small groups at the elementary level focus on the developmental needs of the child, and are often preventative rather than reactive. They enable us to help many students with similar issues/concerns at the same time in the most efficient way. The small group setting also provides a unique opportunity for children to form relationships and encourage and support each other in their growth.

    At Monroe Elementary we offer these small groups based on student/parent or teacher referral, and we collaborate with your students teacher to ensure that the student isn't missing part of their core instructional time. Small group counseling occurs at least three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring) depending on the amount of referrals received. These groups meet for 6-8 weeks for 30 minutes each week. It's important to note that specific group offerings are subject to the amount of referrals received. Below is a list of potential small group topics. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you would like for your child to participate in a small group please contact Mrs. Irons or Mrs. Rosenthal.

• Classroom Guidance: Developmentally appropriate lessons delivered in a whole classroom setting based on academic achievement, career exploration, or personal/social skills. 
• Consultation:  We are available to have meetings with parents, teachers, and/or administrators to discuss the needs of individual students. We are here for all students and want to ensure that your child has a productive and positive school year. If we can support your child in anyway, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
• 504 Plans: We are the case managers for students who are on a 504 plan. If you have a student who is on a 504 plan, we look forward to working with you this school year. If you have any questions about a 504 plan please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
• Community Referrals: For students who may benefit from continuous, ongoing therapy. Referrals to outside agencies can be made based on the unique needs of each student. Please see the Community Referrals tab for more information.