• Newton-Lee Elementary School Counseling Department
     
    Mission Statement
     
    The mission of the school counseling program at NLE is to foster an equitable environment in which all students have access to a safe environment to learn and ultimately reach their potential.  Our school climate fosters respect, appreciation and awareness of oneself and others.  School counselors advocate for students, teaming with parents and staff to support the academic, personal/social and career development of every student, encouraging them as they become lifelong learners and responsible, respectful citizens of their community and world.
     
    Vision Statement
     
    The students at Newton-Lee Elementary are well prepared for success in our ever-changing and evolving world.  Recognizing that success looks different for each of our students, NLE  explorers are taught the academic, personal, social and vocational life skills needed to make informed choices in the areas of relationships, continued education, and careers.  The life skills that our students learn will prepare them to meet the challenges and high expectations of the 21st century, leading fulfilling lives as responsible, respectful citizens.
     
    What Does a School Counselor Do?
     
    • We provide systematic classroom guidance lessons in the academic, career, and personal/social development of students
    • We provide students individual counseling
    • We respond to student needs in crisis situations
    • We facilitate groups with students on various topics, with parental permission
    • We work with and coordinate efforts with other school specialists
    • We conduct conferences with parents
    Why Do Parents Contact the School Counselor?
    • Special needs of their child
    • Student crisis situations
    • Academic achievement
    • New school transition
    • Family transitions
    • Issues related to bullying
     
    How is a Student Referred to the School Counselor?
     
    • Self-referral
    • Teacher, administrator or staff referral
    • Parent referral
    • Counselor observation
     

    The Roles and Objectives of the School Counseling Program:

     

    There are three main domains--academic, career, and personal/social development in the Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools, from which all elementary school counselors in Loudoun County are required to teach.

     
     

    KINDERGARTEN

     

    Academic

     
    • Understand the expectations of the educational environment
    • Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help
    • Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal

    Career

     
    • Demonstrate goal setting

    Personal/Social

     
    • Demonstrate good manners and respectful behavior towards others

     

     

    FIRST GRADE

     

    Academic

     
    • Understand the importance of individual effort, hard work and persistence
    • Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help
    • Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal

    Career

     
    • Understand the concept of job and career
    • Understand the importance of teamwork in working towards a common goal

    Personal/Social

     
    • Understand how to make and keep friends and work with others
    • Identify resource people in the school and community and understand how to seek their help
     

    SECOND GRADE

     

    Academic

     
    • Demonstrate individual initiative and a positive interest in learning
    • Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
    • Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal

    Career

     
    • Understand that behaviors such as punctuality, courtesy, proper dress, and proper language are essential to current and future success

    Personal/Social

     
    • Exhibit the principles of character, including honesty, trustworthiness, respect for the rights and property of others, respect rules and laws, taking responsibility for one's own actions, fairness, caring, and citizenship
     

    THIRD GRADE

     

    Academic

     
    • Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed
    • Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal

    Career

     
    • Understand the relationship of individual effort, hard work and persistence to achievement

    Personal/Social

     
    • Understand the importance of short term and long term goals
    • Understand that Americans are one people of many diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and national origins who are united as Americans by common customs and traditions
     

    FOURTH GRADE

     

    Academic

     
    • Demonstrate time management and organizational skills
    • Apply study skills necessary for academic achievement
     

    Career

     
    • Recognize the benefits of both individual initiative and teamwork
    • Identify hobbies and interests
     

    Personal/Social

     
    • Understand decision making and problem solving strategies
     

    FIFTH GRADE

     

    Academic

     
    • Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses related to learning
    • Understand the choices, options, and requirements of the middle school environment

    Career

     
    • Recognize that the changing workplace requires lifelong learning
    • Identify career choices through exploration
     

    Personal/Social

     
    • Understand change as a part of growth
    • Identify the emotional and physical dangers of substance use and abuse
    • Use strategies for managing peer pressure