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Individual Counseling
Individual Counseling
Students can request to see me by emailing me directly or by asking their adults at home or teacher to email me on their behalf. I also see students as a result of a teacher or parent request. During individual meetings with students, I can help children understand and accept themselves, cope with family changes and/or family crises, develop decision making skills, conflict resolution skills, anger management techniques, and problem solving strategies. The following are just a few examples of the situations in which school counselors can help their students:- My best friend and I seem to be fighting a lot lately. We just can’t seem to get along.
- My parents are getting a divorce. I’m scared about what is happening to our family.
- I am the new kid here at school and I am afraid that I just won’t fit in.
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I have been having nightmares lately and it takes me so long to fall asleep at night.
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My grandmother just died and I can't stop crying.
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Mommy just had a new baby and that baby is ruining everything!
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I do my homework, but I can’t seem to remember to bring it with me to school.
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I am worried about my friend. She’s been acting strange lately.
It is my philosophy to develop a trusting relationship with students by keeping our conversations confidential. Phone calls will be made home to families on an as needed basis with student awareness. -
Small Group Counseling
Small Group CounselingI offer small group counseling sessions throughout the year for students in kindergarten through fourth grades. The small group experience is an enjoyable way for students to benefit from personal growth as well as to gain support from peers with similar needs. Groups are typically arranged through parent and teacher referrals. The small groups usually meet for a six week session. Groups are created as needed according to varying topics. Small groups may focus on confidence building, anger management, changing families/divorce, friendship, social skills or school success skills. -
Counseling Core Curriculum
COUNSELING CORE CURRICULUMA core curriculum based on the American School Counselor Association Standards is provided for all students.Kindergarten
Respect Yourself and Others
Students are introduced to several puppet friends who help them learn about making new friends, expressing feelings, appreciating differences, and handling conflict. In addition, kindergarten students learn about personal safety.
First GradeMaking S'More Friends,A Camping AdventureIn first grade there is an emphasis on making and keeping friends. Children go on camping adventures in their classroom! Sitting around the "campfire," the students learn to appreciate differences, express their feelings to friends, and solve friendship problems.Second GradeLet's Be Friends and Work it Out
In second grade students learn the importance of friendship. Students practice skills to initiate and maintain friendships. Strategies to encourage self-control and resolve conflicts among friends are introduced. Personal safety is revisited.
Third Grade
We Are the Same and Different
The third grade curriculum focuses on human diversity. Students learn to embrace human differences and individuality through the exploration of empathy, discrimination and bullying. Personal safety is revisited.
Fourth Grade
I Can Handle It!
Students in fourth grade learn to identify stress in their lives. Students discuss the effects of stress on their mind and body. Stress management techniques are exlored and practiced.Smart and Successful!The concept of multiple intelligences is introduced with a focus on career awareness. Students create their very first resume! Career portfolios (K-4) are reviewed by students.Additionally, counselors help students prepare for their transition to Skyview Upper Elementary School. -
Career Awareness
Career Awareness Begins in Elementary School!Did you know that your child has a Career Portfolio? Each year a new career page is added to your child's Career Portfolio. Students will have opportunities to review their career portfolio with me as they look to their future. These Career Portfolios will be digitally sent to Skyview Upper Elementary School and the original Career Portfolios will be returned to students. Check them out to see the start of your child's career journey! -
Bully Prevention
Bully Prevention in Positive Behavior Support
Bully Prevention in School-Wide Positive Behavior Support is a prevention focused alternative to student support that blends socially valuable outcomes, research based procedures, behavioral science, and a systems approach to reduce problem behavior and improve school climate.
Bully Prevention in School-Wide Positive Behavior Support helps establish a school-wide social culture where positive behavior is “expected” and rewards for bullying are NOT provided. The school counselors, along with classroom teachers at every elementary school, teach a series of lessons in each class presenting Bully Prevention in School-Wide Positive Behavior Support.
As part of Bully Prevention in School-Wide Positive Behavior Support, students will learn the school rules:
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
Expectations for following these rules are explained and discussed.
Students will also be introduced to the STOP, WALK, TALK strategies. During lessons students will participate in role-play scenarios to practice these strategies. Students will learn to use STOP, WALK, TALK strategies to respond to inappropriate remarks, gossip, cyber bullying and other forms of unsafe, disrespectful or bullying behavior. The role of the bystander is also highlighted.
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Parent Resources
PARENT RESOURCES
Conferences
Please email me to schedule an appointment to discuss any social, emotional, or academic concerns you may have for your child. Together, we can support your child during stressful situations and transitions. Referrals to community resources are also available.Parent Resource Library
Parenting resources are available! Feel free to borrow children's books to help you discuss sensitive issues (such as separation, divorce, death, etc) with your child. Resources for parents are also available.Family WorkshopsPlease watch for information about our family workshops, Homework Without Headaches! and Workout Your Worries!
Referrals
Referral information about community agencies and services is available for families. Please email me, and I will be happy to help you.Additional SupportsNeed a computer? Low cost computers are available from http://www.teamchildren.org/.
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Meet the Counselor
Meet Shannon Snyder, Worcester's School Counselor Since 1999!Hello! My name is Shannon Snyder, and I am the School Counselor at Worcester Elementary. I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Scranton and a Masters Degree in Education with Certification in Elementary Counseling from West Chester University. I live in Perkasie with my husband and four children. I love working with the students, families and staff of Worcester Elementary School!I am at Worcester Elementary every day! Many students call me their "feelings friend " because I talk with them about their feelings. I meet with students to discuss making friends and getting along with others, making good choices, family changes and/or loss, acting responsibly, handling conflict, controlling anger, recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses, and many other topics!Students can make an appointment to meet with me if they would like to talk about their feelings or whatever is on their mind. They can email me directly at ssnyder@methacton.org to schedule an appointment, or they can let their adults at home or teacher know that they would like to meet with me. I will then schedule the appointment.I enjoy having lunch with students. Once we return to Worcester Elementary, students can sign up to have lunch in my office by simply writing me a note. Students are permitted to invite a few friends from their grade. During lunch we socialize and practice using good manners!I support parents, too! If you have any concerns regarding your child, or if your family is experiencing something out of the ordinary, I welcome the opportunity to speak or meet with you. Please feel free to contact me. The best way to ensure your child's academic, social and emotional success is through communication and teamwork! -
Methacton School Counseling Program Mission Statement
Methacton School Counseling Program Mission Statement
The Methacton School District Counseling Programmaximizes student potential in academic, career,personal and social development. The programencourages student success through collaborationwith families, staff, and community.
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I Believe...Statement
I BELIEVE:Students have the right to be respected and treated with dignity.All students can achieve and should be given the opportunity to reach their highest potential.Students learn best in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.Students need to be exposed to opportunities for growth in academic, career and personal/social areas through a data driven school counseling program.Students deserve to be in an academic environment that acknowledges and supports individual learning styles and differences.The school counseling program serves every student through advocacy, leadership and education.The school counseling program is an integral link between students, families, school and community that cultivates student responsibility and academic achievement.The school counselor has a professional responsibility to abide by the Ethical Standards of the American School Counselor Association and to seek ongoing professional development.
