Elementary School Counseling Page - Fonda-Fultonville Central Schools

Pre-K- 4th grade

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family.

The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors/social workers have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors/social workers help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/emotional skills in response to issues they face.

Elementary school counselors/school social workers hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling/school social work. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s/social workers knowledge and effectiveness.

Direct student services including:

Social emotional learning – direct instruction, team teaching, developing learning activities
Group activities – planned activities outside the classroom promoting academic, career or social/emotional development
Responsive services – counseling in individual or small group settings. We are also prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources.
Crisis response – provide support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations

Indirect student services including:

Consultation – share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations collaboration – work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement
Referrals – support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information

Academic support:

Help improve the academic success of all students by monitoring academic progress and working with teachers, students, instructional support teams and families to identify strategies to improve

Present lessons in classrooms to teach students organizational and study skills.

Social/emotional support

Work with students with behavioral needs and those experiencing crisis situations.

Help students resolve conflict and develop coping skills.

Build relationships with all students.

Help to promote good character traits through character education programs.

Career development/post secondary planning support

Begin introducing children to various careers and post-secondary options.

Family support

Work with parents to implement strategies and programs to help students be successful in school.
Serve as a liaison between the school and community agencies to assist parents in obtaining needed services.

Transition support

Work with students in kindergarten to help them adjust to school.
Invite new students to lunch.
Work with middle school counselors to help students and their families have a successful transition to 5th grade.

Elementary Counseling Staff

Elementary School Office Phone Number: 518-853-3332

Melanie Capron, School Social Worker
mcapron@ffcsd.org

Madison Rascoe, School Counselor
mrascoe@ffcsd.org

Jacqueline Melley, Licensed Mental Health Therapist
jmelley@ffcsd.org

District Resources for Families

FFCS has many programs to help students and families throughout the school year. Here are a few we wanted to highlight for you:

Weekend backpack program– helps students to alleviate hunger over the weekends by receiving a bag of non-perishable food with breakfast, lunch and snack items each Friday.
Christmas Cheer– families in need of assistance can receive Christmas gifts for their children through this school sponsored program. In addition, we provide some emergency assistance to families on a case by case basis throughout the school year.
Food baskets– the school works with a local church to provide food to families for the holidays and over breaks.
Winter Gear Night (October each school year)-students have the opportunity to come pick out gently used or new coats, snow pants, boots, hats and gloves for the winter season. If we do not have what a student needs, then items will be purchased in conjunction with community organizations.
School supplies – we have a variety of school supplies and backpacks available for students in need.

If you feel you are in need of any of these programs, please feel free to reach out to our School Social Worker, Melanie Capron, at mcapron@ffcsd.org for further information.

Child Study Team

Our Child Study Team, led by the school principal, meets to discuss and make recommendations for students who require additional supports. Students are referred to the CST by classroom teachers. Meetings are held on a monthly basis. Team members can include the principal, teacher, social worker, nurse, psychologist, and any additional service providers. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend meetings.

Links for Pre-K-4 Students

https://kelsoschoice.com/
https://wedolisten.org/books-and-lessons
https://www.worrywoos.com/
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
https://www.zaner-bloser.com/free-resources.php

District Resources for Families

Links for Pre-k-4 Parents

Internet Safety Information

Community Resources