Role of the Elementary School Counselor
School counselors help all students in the areas of personal/social development, academic achievement, and career exploration/development. Students who are recommended to see the school counselor either need immediate therapeutic support or have a skill deficit that is impeding on their ability to be successful in school. School counselors differ from mental health counselors/ psychologists. The school counselor can assist in providing information on mental health providers in the community as well as other possible community supports, if needed.
Jessica Hayner is the school counselor at Pleasant Avenue Elementary School. She provides individual and group counseling, social/ emotional classroom guidance, crisis intervention, consultation for student success and is an attendance liaison.
Yello Dyno Program
The Yello Dyno Program teaches students an awareness and understanding of “Tricky People” and how to keep themselves safe.
Safety Rules
Courtesy of the Yello Dyno box set:
- Tricky people, it doesn’t matter what they look like, their age or how well you know them, it’s what they ask you to do that matters
- Too many details? Who’s telling the truth
- Too many details? Remember the context
- Always ask first
- I always have a buddy
- Take Three steps back and run like the wind
- I know the Yello Dyno Yell
- I trust my feelings
- I can say “NO”
- Cut the conversation
- I don’t keep secrets that make me feel unsafe
- If someone is too charming, there is a problem, even if it does show right away
- PC: Privacy and Control
- I know my body’s mine
- Knowledge is Power
Banana Splits
“Banana Splits” is a peer support group for students who are facing issues of separation or divorce. A schedule of meeting times will be arranged when the group is formed. We discuss their feelings, how to cope, and grow from their parents separating and/ or divorcing.
How to sign your child up?
Parents/ guardians will need to reach out to their child’s classroom teacher or another adult in the building to request “banana splits” for their child. Then a permission slip will be sent home. Simply fill it out and return it to school.
Thoughts Worth Sharing
Hold on to your dreams
Ask questions
Plan to succeed
Proceed with confidence
Invest in the right attitude
Never stop believing
Enjoy the detours
Save time for little things
Share a smile every day
Warren St. Elementary Links
Contact the Elementary School Counselors
Jessica Hayner
School Counselor
Pleasant Avenue Elementary
(518) 762-8610
Matthew Sherman
School Counselor
Pleasant Avenue Elementary
(518) 762-8610
Stephanie DiVisconti
School Counselor
Warren Street Elementary
(518) 762-3715