At Clermont Elementary school, all students are encouraged to reach their highest potential both in academics as well as citizenship.  The Clermont school counseling program is a student-centered, comprehensive program based on prevention.  It addresses the academic, social, emotional and developmental needs of all Clermont students.   As counselors, our goal is to empower children by offering experiences, support and programs that facilitate growth which will support children to make positive decisions that lead to healthy and meaningful lives.  As counselors, we collaborate with staff, parents/guardians and community members, in order to support students as they experience the normal, developmental joys and frustrations that go along with childhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section contains answers to common questions students and parents ask.

Are counselors only for emergency crisis situations?
No! Your counselor is an everyday part of your elementary life, here to help you handle the normal challenges you face life.

How can I let my counselor know that I need to talk with her? It's easy!

• You can fill out a referral slip from the “Your Counselor Cares about You.” envelope in the classroom and then slip it under her door. There is also an envelope outside the counselors’ door.
• You can tell your teacher, who will let your counselor know, or...
• Your parent/guardian can contact the counselor to let her know you would like a meeting.

When can I talk with my counselor?

Before you are picked up from your class, your counselor will check with your teacher to find the best time for a meeting. If you are dealing with an emergency, please let your counselor or teacher know so your counselor can meet with you right away!

How can I be a part of a counseling group? A student can be referred for a counseling group by:

• Parents/Guardians
• Teachers
• Administrators
• Yourself ~ that's right! If you are interested in participating in a small group, let your counselor know!

Once referred, the student will need to have a group permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling with students is based on teacher, parent or self-referrals. Students can make appointments with us to discuss concerns by filling out a "Counselors Care" slip and putting it under our door or by simply telling their teacher they would like an appointment. Parents are welcome to contact us in order to set up a counseling session(s) for their child.

We see students on an individual short term counseling basis. Depending on the needs of the child, we might focus on coping strategies, problem-solving, goal setting and/or conflict resolution. Topics might include self-esteem, identifying and expressing emotions, friendship skills, academic skills, or behavior strategies.

Classroom Guidance Lessons

Classroom Guidance is an integral part of the school counseling program at Clermont Elementary School. Lessons topics might include:

• Clermont’s Character Education traits: cooperation, acceptance, responsibility, and effort
• Bullying Prevention
• Conflict Resolution
• Test Preparation
• Goal Setting
• Mindfulness
• Students Rights and Responsibilities Lessons
• Special focus lessons will be added as needs arise

Clermont Elementary Group Counseling Topics 

Below are the groups we plan to offer this year, along with a brief description of each. Parents and teachers can refer a child to a group or students may refer themselves. Permission forms are sent home prior to group participation. Each group lasts approximately eight weeks and meets one time per week for 30 minutes during the school day. Special interest groups are added when the need arises. Please contact us or send a note in if you would like your child to participate in a group or if you would like more information.

Marvelous Me

• This is a group in which students learn about how they are unique and why they are special. Acceptance of mistakes and perseverance are discussed. (offered at all grade levels)

Amigo Club

• In this group, students learn how to initiate and maintain friendships. (all grades)

Study Skills

• This is a group to assist students in building study skills, test taking skills and effective work habits. (grades 3-6)

Calm Club

• Group members learn to handle anger in helpful ways. (all grades)

Changing Family Group

• In this group, separation and divorce are discussed and coping strategies are taught. (all grades)

Stress Busters

• Students in this group learn to recognize stressors. Students will become aware of different methods to cope with stress more effectively. (all grades)

New Student Group

• This group is offered to students who are brand new to our school. It meets 2-3 times. We get to know each other, meet special staff members in our school and discuss getting adjusted to a new school. We also talk about ways to make new friends. (grades 1-6)

Goodbye Group

• For students who are relocating before the next school year. This group will be offered in May and June and is a three-week group. (all grades)

Organization Group

• This group is to help students in building skills and habits such as writing in their planners, turning assignments in on time, and assisting students in putting papers into their correct folders and notebooks. (grades 2-6)

Parent Opportunities

Parenting Workshops

• The Fairfax County Parent Resource Center offers workshops and other events. They have many resources to share as well. Go to the Fairfax County Public Schools website (www.fcps.edu) and search “Parent Resource Center”.
• Parent Workshops are also offered periodically at Clermont Elementary and at neighboring schools. Information for these workshops will be shared electronically and/or a flyer will be sent home.

Lending Library

We have books on a variety of topics, including:

• Bedtime
• Battles
• Coping with a separation or divorce
• Developmental Stages
• Discipline Strategies
• Helping your child with anger management
• Helping your child with stress management
• Homework Hassles
• Mindfulness
• Raising Responsible, Resilient Children
• Self Esteem

If you would like to borrow a book, please contact us.