About Us
School Counselor
Welcome to the School Counseling webpage! My name is Edie Abbott and I am the School Counselor at Cranberry Station Elementary School. This page will provide you with information about the CSE School Counseling program, counseling activities, topics and resources.
Mission
Carroll County Public School Counselors facilitate the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. School Counselors are integral members of the instructional team. They directly impact student achievement by delivering comprehensive services that meet the needs of the 21st Century school community.
Vision
Professional School Counselors are uniquely trained leaders who promote success for all students. They collaborate with school stakeholders using data-driven decisions to facilitate the success of the 21st Century learner in an ever-changing society. As a result the student will:
- achieve to his/her maximum potential
- demonstrate academic, career and personal/social problem-solving skills
- recognize and appreciate individual and cultural differences
- develop communication, citizenship and employability skills to make positive contributions to the community
- access human and technological resources for support and information
What is a School Counselor?
I am a Maryland State Department of Education certified (Advanced Professional), trained (Master’s degree plus), and caring professional who works with all students, and collaborates with parents, teachers, staff and the community, to help each student achieve academic and social success. School Counseling services are delivered in four specific ways:
- Classroom-Based School Counseling Curriculum – I design, schedule, and deliver classroom-based lessons, driven by the needs of the school population in all grades, K-5, designed to achieve specific competencies(social, emotional, academic, career)
- Individual Student Planning- I assist students with goal formation/planning (behavioral, academic, etc.)
- Responsive Services- I provide counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, and peer mediation to meet immediate student needs.
- System Support- I plan and implement school wide programing (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, School Improvement Team, Character Development Committee), consult with other professionals, and coordinate various supports for students and families.
What types of school counseling supports are available to students?
- Individual Counseling- A process where I meet with students to discuss issues in a safe, positive, and confidential setting (for a limited time, ongoing therapy is not available at school). Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friendship problems, academic achievement, bullying prevention and awareness, getting along with others, problem-solving, character development and decision-making.
- Small Group Counseling- A process where I meet students, sharing similar issues and concerns, working together in a small group environment consisting of about 4-7 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 4-6 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the student population and may include divorce or changing families, friendship and social skills, and anger management.
- Classroom-Based School Counseling Curriculum- A process where I develop, schedule and implement K-5 classroom curriculum. This K-5 curriculum addresses social, emotional, academic, and career-related needs. Teaching developmental skills using age-appropriate, classroom-based lessons. Topics may include conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing, bullying prevention and awareness, feelings, cooperation, decision-making, school success skills and peer pressure.
School Counselor Leadership Roles and Committees:
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), team leader
- Crisis Response Team, team leader
- School Improvement Team, member
- Character Development, district planning team member
- Student Services Team, member
- Crisis Prevention Intervention, team member
- Section 504 plan, case manager
Website Resource for Parents
School Counselor Role
Child Development:
Minimizing Summer Learning Loss
Back to School
Internet Safety
- Netsmartz.org (partner of Nat'l Center for Missing/Exploited Children)
- Connect Safely - Resources include tips for strong, secure passwords, tips to help stop cyberbullying, and safe cell phone and video game use. Also include parent guides to Instagram and Snapchat and other popular social media sites.
Study Skills
Diverse Populations/ Special Needs
- The Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health
- MSDE ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Resource Site
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder
- Effective strategies and resources to manage anxiety
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Get Connected Family Resource Center
Military Active Duty/National Guard/Reservist Family Support
- www.mic3.net - Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission
- Military Child Coalition (MCEC) -ensures quality educational opportunities for military children
- Military One Source (MOS) -free counseling, legal, accounting, clergy services, etc.
- Our Military Kids -provides $500 grant for extra-curricular activities
- National Guard Programs for Educators and Parents
- Corner on Character
- Sesame Workshop: Military FamiliesNational Guard Family Program
Transitioning to Middle School
Great "EI" (emotional intelligence) Website Resources for Kids
Counseling Resources in Carroll County
- Carroll County Youth Service Bureau
- Carroll County Community Mediation
- Carroll County Human Services Programs
- Carroll County Bereavement Support
Character Development
- "Bucketfillers 101": Kindness and Respect
- Teaching Tolerance: Diversity Acceptance
- Stop Bullying