Counselor's Corner
School Counseling Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Oak Park School Counseling Program is to assist all students in their journey to become productive citizens and responsible, lifelong learners through their academic development, personal and social growth and career exploration by way of cultivating acceptance, empathy, and perseverance through school wide activities, classroom instruction, small group, and individual counseling.
Vision Statement
The School Counselor will help provide an atmosphere of safety, warmth, and encouragement as Oak Park students work to reach their fullest educational potential in the areas of academic, career, and personal development and will assist in establishing a solid foundation as Oak Park students successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible and productive citizens who respect themselves and others.
Counseling Services
Classroom Lessons (Guiding Greyhounds)
Students will visit as a class to Mrs. Miller's Counseling Class Once a month for 40-45 minutes to participate in lessons focused on social, emotional, friendships, and career development skills.
Small Group and Individual Counseling
Students may see the counselor for small group or individual counseling to assist with a variety of concerns and problems including:
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Behavior
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Social Skills
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Divorce
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Grief/Loss
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Academic Support
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Friendship
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Attendance
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Bullying
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Problem Solving
Ideas for Spreading Kindness
Paint a rock and leave it for a neighbor to find
2. Write someone you are thankful for a letter (Nurse, doctor, policeman)
3. Draw someone a picture
4. Make a fun video and send it to someone you miss
5. Do a chore without being asked
6. FaceTime someone and tell them a joke
7. Tape a sign to a neighbors mailbox to cheer them up
8. Share a snack and story with someone at home
9. Sing someone at home a song, or send someone a video of you singing
10. Give everyone at your house a smile and a hug
Parent Guidance Partner
Click on the logo below to access dozens of free on-demand parenting courses as well as other parenting and mental health resources.
https://parentguidance.org/?&
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 American children ages 3 through 17 (about 15 million) have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavior disorder in a given year.
Oak Park Elementary is committed to the wellness of all students by providing a safe learning environment and the necessary mental health supports to achieve positive student outcomes.
Please see our links and resources. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Miller at kmiller@ossdms.org
Parental Tips and Tricks
Tips on how to talk about school:
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Let's see what you brought home today. Check out your student's completed work and respond to notes from the teacher.
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Show me what you have for homework. Have your child explain the assignment to you to check for understanding before they begin homework so that you do not have to do it twice!
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Describe something you enjoyed at school today, a book, an activity, playing with a friend. You will learn what your child enjoys about school!
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Tell me what you learned that you would like to know more about. This uses your child's interests for a jumping off point for fun activities to learn and share together.
After school quick questions for the quiet child:
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What was the coolest thing that happened to day, and why was it cool?
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Pretend you are teacher, What happened at school today?
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What made you laugh at school today?
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What was the most creative thing you did today?
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How were you helpful today?
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How were you kind today?
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Was anyone kind or helpful to you?
More Resources & Links
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK )
Available 24 hours everyday
Crisis Text Line-Text "TN" to 741 741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Hearing and Speech Impaired
1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
The National Hopeline Network
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)