My name is Karla Crawford and I am the guidance counselor at Oak Hill Elementary. This is my 17th year in education. I taught for 13 years before becoming to Oak Hill as the counselor. I love working with the staff, families and especially the children at our school. I am married and have two sons that keep me busy when I'm not at school. I have listed some important information to help you better understand the counseling and guidance program at our school. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
WHAT IS THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE PROGRAM?
The elementary school counseling and guidance program is a part of the total school program and complements learning in the classroom. It is child-centered, preventive, and developmental. The program encourages students' social, emotional, and personal growth at each stage of their development. The purpose of counseling with students, parents, and teachers is to help students maximize their potential. The elementary school counselor also conducts guidance lessons; consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals; and coordinates student services in the school. This counseling and guidance program provides elementary students with assistance in:
Understanding self and developing a positive self-image.
Showing respect for the feelings of others.
Understanding the decision-making process.
Maintaining effective relationships with peers and adults.
WHAT ARE BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS?
The elementary school counselor works directly with students in individual and group counseling sessions as well as in classroom guidance lessons so students may:
Be successful in school.
Establish effective study skills.
Adjust to a new school.
Develop positive feelings about work, family, and society.
Build positive feelings towards self and others.
Develop skills in interacting and communicating with others.
Cope with change in themselves and their surroundings.
Identify and accept their own and others' strengths and weaknesses.
Recognize the causes and effects of their actions.
Become responsible for their own behavior.
Receive crisis intervention when necessary.
The guidance counselor helps students become
Developing effective study skills.
Being prepared to make the transition to the middle school.
Gaining an understanding of the world of work.