Counselor Pages  Counselor Support & Services

Counselor Supports & Services

Counselors Support Students

The school counselor teaches skills in the 5 MCPS Student Counseling Standards (PDF): Academic Development, Personal Development, Interpersonal Development, Career Development, and Healthy Development. Each year the counselor develops goals to address each of these areas in Classroom lessons and small groups.  A full description of the elementary school counseling services in MCPS can be found here.

Individual Counseling

The school counselor addresses individual needs and concerns which can impede academic achievement. Students can self-refer themselves to see the counselor when needed through “Counselor Talk” forms located in each classroom. Students then place these in a secure place outside my office. Parents and teachers can also refer their students to see the counselor at any time. Please contact me at: Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org or 301-353-8050.

Small Group Counseling

The school counselor leads small groups to teach skills and provide support in specific areas of need such as improving social interactions with peers, improving classroom behavior, adjustment to school, family changes, study skills, organizational skills, self-concept and esteem, and coping skills. Groups are 30 minutes in duration, meet during the lunch/ recess hour for 6-8 weeks, and consist of about 4-6 students.

Classroom Guidance Lessons

Classroom lessons are a collaborative effort between teachers and counselors. The counselor works with the teachers to meet the needs of each classroom and by infusing our reading focus into every classroom lesson. Lessons are taught bi-weekly based on 9 character traits (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Citizenship, Perseverance, Organization, Leadership and Caring) as well as the 5 MCPS Student Counseling Standards (academic, personal, interpersonal, career, and healthy development). Possible classroom topics include:

  • Study Skills
  • Learning Styles
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Self-awareness
  • Decision making
  • Goal setting
  • Effective communication
  • Careers
  • Personal safety

Peer Mediation

Germantown’s peer mediation program is named "Peacemakers." At the start of the school year, 4th and 5th grade students who are interested in being a Peacemaker write a statement about why they would like to be in the Peacemaker program. Teacher input is considered as well. The students who are chosen to participate are trained to assist their peers with conflict resolution. Students are encouraged to seek the support of the Peacemakers when they have a problem with a friend or peer during recess.  

Individual Planning

The school counselor assists students, in close collaboration with parents, to make good academic choices, personal goals, and career opportunities.

School Program Support

The school counselor supports school programs, school climate and academic achievement.