Dear Parents,
Over the past two years, the District has begun
the process of evaluating and refining counseling services PK-12 in an effort
to best serve children with social and emotional needs. At the elementary level, this resulted in
expansion of our school psychologist positions at Memorial and Essex and a
transition from guidance counselors to school adjustment counselors in both
buildings this year. In addition to
supporting children in coping with short-term academic and social concerns,
both of our new counselors bring strong clinical expertise in working with
students with significant mental health challenges.
With the introduction of our school
adjustment counselors this fall at Memorial and Essex Elementary Schools,
counseling services will focus on research-based practices that improve
outcomes for preschool and elementary children. Parents and students who have
become accustomed to our informal “lunch bunch” model will notice a transition
to individual and group counseling targeted to more specific student
needs. Our new model of group counseling
will focus on topics such as anxiety management, divorce, and conflict
resolution, which will be offered in 8-12 week sessions in an effort to reach
as many students with social-emotional needs as possible.
Parents referring a child for counseling
services can begin this process by contacting Suzanna South (Essex) or Laura
Carlson (Memorial) to discuss the child’s needs. In considering your child’s need for
services, please keep in mind that students have limited opportunities to
receive counseling during the school day without missing academic classes. In order to prioritize students who require
short or longer-term services individually and in groups, students referred for
counseling will be screened by the school adjustment counselors, who will
assess needs and recommend appropriate interventions.
Ms. South and Ms. Carlson are also available
to consult with parents by phone or in person regarding academic,
social-emotional, and peer issues that may arise for your child. If you are interested in pursuing
community-based counseling services outside of school hours, Ms. South and Ms.
Carlson can assist you in navigating this process as well. More information on accessing community-based
resources is also available on the Student Services website located at www.studentservices.mersd.org.
Please do not hesitate to contact me by
phone (978-525-6060) or e-mail (collinsa@mersd.org)
if you have any questions or concerns regarding District counseling services.
Sincerely,
Allison Brown Collins
Director of Student Services
