School Counseling

Mission Statement 

The mission of Southside Elementary School's Counseling Program is to support and enhance students' social, emotional, and academic development. Through comprehensive counseling services, we strive to help every student maximize their learning potential, build essential life skills, and experience an exceptional educational journey in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. 

Overview of Southside Elementary School Counseling Program

The School Counseling Program at Southside Elementary School is designed to collaborate with teachers, staff, families, and the community to support the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. The program provides counseling services and support in a comfortable, welcoming, and student-centered environment where students feel supported as they learn, grow, and achieve their goals.

Through classroom lessons, small-group counseling, individual support, and access to resources, the counseling program addresses the diverse needs of students and promotes their overall well-being. Students are provided opportunities to develop social and emotional skills, build positive relationships, and strengthen self-awareness. The program also encourages students to explore their interests, talents, and abilities, fostering early career awareness and helping them connect their strengths to future goals.

The school counseling program at Southside Elementary School keeps student information confidential to help students feel safe and supported. Information is shared only when necessary to ensure student safety, follow school policy, or meet legal requirements. When needed, parents/guardians and school staff may be involved to support the student’s well-being.

The School Counseling Program supports students' academic success by collaborating with teachers and staff to address student needs and promote achievement. Services include:

• Participating in interdisciplinary meetings with teachers and other school personnel.
• Assisting students in developing career awareness skills.
• Providing support and interventions for students experiencing academic difficulties.
• Helping students develop effective learning and study strategies.
• Supporting students in setting academic goals and monitoring their progress.
• Encouraging positive academic habits and a growth mindset to promote success.

The School Counseling program includes career counseling activities that help students begin developing career awareness. These activities include:

• A work readiness program
• Career awareness activities
• Access to career-related resources throughout the year
• Opportunities to explore a variety of careers
• Activities that help students identify personal interests and strengths
• Early goal-setting experiences to support future planning

The School Counseling Program supports students’ social and emotional development through individual, group, and classroom lessons. Services include: 

• Providing individual counseling support for students as needed.
• Facilitating small-group counseling sessions focused on specific needs.
• Delivering classroom lessons on topics such as coping skills and emotional regulation.
• Promoting career awareness and exploration of interests, talents, and abilities.
• Teaching strategies for building healthy relationships and positive communication skills.
• Supporting students in developing self-awareness, resilience, and decision-making skills.

The school counseling program provides student support services that promote academic, social, and emotional success. Services include:

• Student Success Team (SST) meetings
• Collaboration with teachers, parents, and other staff as needed
• Connecting students and families with community resources as needed
• Program planning and coordination

Full Circle Grief Center: A nonprofit organization in Richmond, Virginia that provides support for children, teens, adults, and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  

Comfort Zone Camp: Comfort Zone Camp is a nonprofit bereavement camp in Virginia that supports children, teens, and young adults who have experienced grief.

Military family support resources:  Programs, services, and organizations that help families connected to the military

Please contact the school counseling department if you have any concerns or topics you would like to discuss. I am here to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional development and can provide guidance, resources, and assistance as needed. I will be happy to speak with you and work together to help ensure your child’s success and well-being at school.

Greater Reach Community Services Board Crisis Hotline: 804-862-8000 

Department of Social Services: 804-469-4524 

VA Housing Search: 1-877-428-8844

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988 or Text 988 

Salvation Army: 804-732-8449 

Local Food Pantries

Dinwiddie Food Bank 804-712-0190

Dinwiddie Churches Pantry 804-732-3241 

Pathways VA, Inc. 804-862-1104