St. Andrew’s Lower School Counseling program aims to help students build competencies in self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Throughout the year, the Lower School Counselor visits Kindergarten through fourth grade students in their classroom to enhance skill-building through intentional social emotional whole group instruction. Class lessons are on topics like emotions, academic success, responsibility, conflict resolution, coping skills and digital citizenship. In grades first through fourth, students also benefit from attending small group counseling sessions on a variety of topics relevant to their age group including, but not limited to: self-control, self-esteem, leadership, and resilience.
There are also a variety of ways for students in first through fourth grade to request to see the School Counselor individually. Teachers, administrators, and parents can refer a student they think would benefit from these services. Families are encouraged to contact the Lower School Counselor to discuss school counseling, parenting, social-emotional development or with any concerns that emerge during the school year.