School Counseling Office
School Office Phone: 240-740-0620
Website https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/eastsilverspringes/aboutus/parents/
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou
EAST SILVER SPRING SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
What School Counselors DO...
Classroom lessons teaching social skills, how to take care of strong feelings, study skills,etc.
- Small group counseling
- Short-term individual counseling
- Consultation with parents and teachers
- Parent workshops
- Community resource referrals (including longer term therapy services)
- Schoolwide programming (Kindness Initiative, etc.)
How Can School Counselors Help?
Helping to handle social or emotional concerns you have about your child
- Improving parent-child communication
- Family difficulties or concerns that affect your child at school
- Referrals for community resources
- Understanding the developmental changes of childhood
- Helping your child to be on time to school every day
- Discussing concerns about your child’s academic achievement
How Can I See The Counselor
***Confidentiality and your family’s privacy are important to me. What you or your child discuss with a counselor is private except in cases required by law (when abuse or neglect are suspected).
Counselor Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Mrs. Melissa McCarthy and I am the new School Counselor at East Silver Spring Elementary School. I am so happy to be here and be a part of such a wonderful school and community! I have spent the past weeks meeting all of the students here and they truly are incredible kids.
I am passionate about my job, but what I find most fascinating is talking to, connecting with, and helping young people. I would like the students here to think of my office as a warm and friendly place, where they are always welcome. My office is also a safe haven – a place where they can get help if they feel confused or worried.
ESS is a great school, but that doesn’t mean that our students won’t face challenges while they are here. I would like your children to know that they have an ally, and that there is always an adult at the school who will be on their side.
As a School Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all students. I look forward to offering support to the students, staff, families and community.
Services ProvidedAs the Counselor, I have the privilege to work with K-5 students in the school. I plan on working with students at the classroom level, small group level, as well as at the short-term individual counseling level. I will also be meeting with parents, collaborating with teachers and staff, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all ESS students.
CLASSROOM GUIDANCE LESSONS: These lessons will be presented in the classroom for students in grades K-5 Lessons will teach developmentally appropriate, preventative lessons to all children.
GROUP COUNSELING: Group counseling is provided for small groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These may include making and keeping friends, anger management, coping with separation/divorce and or loss, getting organized/study skills and/or improving self-esteem. The groups generally range from 4 to 6 students and last for 6 to 8 sessions. The students for these groups can be recommended by parents/guardians or by staff members.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: short term one-on-one counseling support is available to all students in grades K to 5. Students may self-refer or be referred to the counselors by teachers/staff and/or parents. Confidentiality is respected.
CONSULTATIONS: I am available to have meetings with teachers, administrators and/or parents to discuss the needs of individual students. I am here for all students and want to ensure that your child has a productive and positive school year. If I can support your child in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Any student can request to meet with me or they can be referred by a teacher, administrator, or parent. I encourage you to reach out if you have concerns regarding your child.
**Confidentiality**Please note that all information discussed is confidential between me and your child, unless they are planning on hurting themselves, hurting someone else or someone is hurting them.
Please feel free to call me, or stop in so that we can meet face to face. I can be reached by email at Melissa_A_McCarthy@mcpsmd.org
I’m excited to be here and I look forward to getting to know you and your children!
Kindest Regards,
Melissa McCarthy
