School Counseling

Landstown Dolphins have access to several School Counselors. Ashley Guilliams works with Grades 1, 3, and 5. Jacob Dubin works with Grades K, 2, and 4. Both counselors are available to provide assistance to ALL students. Joel Fink is our schools’ Military Family Counselor and will be at Landstown on Tuesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Consent forms to work with Mr. Fink can be requested through the school counselors, main office or by emailing Mr. Fink.

Other staff members who support students’ social-emotional learning include;

• School Psychologist - Dr. Karyn Steen
• School Social Worker - Dana Dixon
• Behavior Intervention Specialist - Juliann Moore

How can we help your child?

• Individual Counseling:
  Self, parent, or teacher referrals can initiate the counseling process. We provide a safe and trusting environment for students to address any issues that may be a distraction from their learning process.
• Group Counseling:
  Small groups are offered to provide opportunities for students with similar issues to work together with their peers to in a safe, comfortable environment.
• Classroom Guidance Lessons:
  Students receive monthly classroom guidance lessons, based on The Principles of American Citizenship (character traits.) Lessons fall into three categories: personal/social, academic, or career.
• Coordination:
  School Counselors may provide assistance with utilizing community resources or provide information for referrals outside of the school.
• Consultation Services:
  School Counselors are available to consult with parents and teachers regarding their concerns.

School Counselors provide individual counseling as needed based on self, parent or teacher referrals. Students may ask their teachers to see the School Counselors, or can submit an online counseling request. During the month of September, students will be given a classroom guidance lesson explaining the role of the School Counselors, services offered, and issues that may be addressed through counseling. Parents may refer students to the counselors via phone calls, emails, or appointments to discuss concerns about their children.

While School Counselors may meet with students individually from time to time, those students requiring more than a few sessions will receive a parental consent form. The School Counselors strive to build a trusting, safe relationship with students so that they have an outlet in which to discuss their concerns. Individual counseling is not intended to replace outside therapy for issues that may require more long-term interventions. School Counselors address normal, developmental issues in 4-6 sessions. If regular, long-term therapy or counseling is desired or required, parents may choose to pursue outside counseling at their expense. The School Counselors can provide a list of resources, if needed.

Small group counseling is offered by the School Counseling Department to students of all ages and grade levels, based on the needs of the student body. Small groups offer students the opportunity to form relationships with other children who may be experiencing similar issues. For example, students who are having a difficult time adjusting to school may benefit from meeting with other students who are also struggling to form friendships or feel connected.

Other topics addressed through small group counseling may include: separation/divorce, study skills/organization, friendships/social skills, self-esteem/self-concept, or using self-control to make wise behavior choices. Students who are candidates for small groups will receive a consent form from their school counselor. If you would like your child included in a particular group or have a suggestion for a group topic, please feel free to contact the Counselors.

Lunch Bunches will be held throughout the year to provide additional opportunities for students to interact with their peers in a small group setting. Students are invited to eat lunch with the counselors and invite a few friends. Small groups are more structured and focus on a specific topic, whereas lunch bunches are less formal and typically provide opportunities for social interaction and friendship building among students.

Fifth grade students will work closely with Mrs. Guilliams throughout the year to learn about middle school courses and to prepare for this important transition. In December, Mrs. Guilliams will introduce students to the AVID program and gifted programs, middle school electives, and also have middle school counselors come speak to the students and answer any questions they may have.

Students have the opportunity to be nominated by their teachers each month for demonstrating the character trait featured for that month, The Traits are closely aligned with our PBIS matrix for being Landstown LEADs.

• September - Responsibility
• October - Self-Control
• November - Respect
• December - Kindness
• February - Resiliency
• March - Dolphin Safe
• April - Growth Mindset
• May - Leadership

VA Career View
Stop Bullying
PBS Kids
We Do Listen/Howard B. Wigglebottom
Internet Safety
Military Kids Connect

Apps & Websites Parents Should Know
Social Butterflies: Social Skills Group
Kids Priority One (local resource database)
Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health (24 hr. crisis assessment)
VA Beach Community Services Board: Child and Youth Services
Scholastic: Parenting Topics and Tips
Understanding Emotions and Behaviors
Military OneSource
Helping with Worry/Anxiety
Focus & Attention Issues
Social & Emotional Development by Age