Walter P. Jones Elementary School

Counseling Program Philosophy Statement

The counselor in Walter P. Jones Elementary School believes:

• All students, regardless of economic status, special needs, race, cultural, sex, and ethnic needs have a right to participate in the counseling program and will benefit from counseling resources and programs.
• Every student at Walter P. Jones will gain insights and exposure in career areas, develop a strong academic background, and develop positively socially and personally.
• All students will develop high self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence in making good decisions; being aware that every decision affects their academic and personal growth.
• Utilizing counseling resources and programs will enable students to be successful academically, socially, and vocationally.
• By collaborating with teachers, parents and students, an awareness and cooperation of students’ individual learning styles will be implemented in the daily instructional process which will maximize teaching and learning for all students. Taking under consideration that if knowledge is “fed properly” it will be “digested properly”.
• Children learn best and achieve at their highest level of potential when each stakeholder (parents, students, teachers, school administrators, & community supporter/agencies) collaborate and support the counseling program through sharing, resources, time, and efforts.
• All students are unique and should be treated as such. Each student’s uniqueness will allow him/her to contribute to society in a positive and unique way.
• The counselor will guide and assist parents in monitoring their children’s academic progress.

And that the Walter P. Jones comprehensive school counseling program should:

• Be led by American School Counselor Association and state standards which will serve as a guide for student learning.
• Be guided by the goals of the school for student achievement.
• Consist of a regular review of data and needs assessments to measure strengths and weaknesses of the counseling program.
• Consist of an Advisory Council (student, parent, teacher, community member, and principal) that will meet on a regular basis to evaluate the program effectiveness and needs.
• Monitor the progress of the student’s academic performances and provide enhancement activities in efforts to close the achievement gap.
• Utilize all technological and human resources to promote an effective counseling program that will promote independent and life long learners.
• Use the community outreach resources to enhance and strength the implementation of the school’s program.
• Be focused on improving all students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

The counselor at Walter P. Jones Elementary:

• Will maintain state certification keeping up with current trends in counseling by reading current articles, attending workshops/conferences, and collaborating and sharing with other counseling professionals.
• Will serve as the leader for the counseling program continuously abiding by ethical and professional standards and state guidelines.
• Will institute an “open door” program policy to encourage program accessibility and encourage positive relationships with all invested stakeholders.
• Will develop programs and goals based on the needs of the students, parents, staff, and community as concluded by the needs assessment documents and other data/information.