Bullying and school violence have been major issues of concern in recent years, but schools do have several resources to help solve those problems. One important resource is the school counselor. School counselors have been required in Arkansas public schools since 1986. In Arkansas, school counselors are required to be licensed teachers with a master’s degree in counseling. The counselor is the mental health professional of the school.
Counselors help students individually, in small groups, or in classroom groups with personal, social, career and academic needs. Elementary school counseling programs are developmental in nature and provide services that are preventative and proactive. For example, counselors see classroom groups for lessons in conflict resolution, bullying prevention, social skills,responsible decision making, safety, drug education, understanding and managing feelings, self awareness, career education and positive work habits. These lessons are aimed at helping students understand themselves and others, and learning how to solve problems such as bullying.
School counselors also coordinate programs such as student of the month, ambassadors, and snackpacks, at the elementary school level; and career and academic decision making at the secondary school level. School counselors are part of the educational team and are involved in many aspects of a student’s learning and placement.
Parents are always welcome to meet with their child’s school counselor and discuss any concerns. Pea Ridge has four school counselors; they are: Debbie Ruff, Pea Ridge Primary School;
Janis Sutton, Pea Ridge Intermediate School; Cathy Caudle, Pea Ridge Middle School; and Jennifer Miller, Pea Ridge High School.
School, Pages 9 on 05/01/2013