The primary goal of the elementary guidance and counseling program in Virginia is to help children to master the academic, social and personal developmental tasks which are essential for positive growth. The program is for all students, not just students with problems. The general objectives of the program include helping children to understand self and others; to learn effective ways to interact with others; to become self-directed and responsible for one’s own behavior; and to develop positive attitudes toward learning in the school and world of work. The counselor will conduct classroom guidance activities, will work with children individually and in small groups, will act as a resource person, and will work cooperatively with teachers, parents, the administration and other school personnel. Parents who wish to limit their child’s involvement in the guidance program must submit a written request to the Principal (see School Board policy manual at school.)
Elementary counseling builds upon the belief that human beings need to experience challenge, achievement and success. Through counseling, consulting, coordination and classroom activities, the counselor works with the teacher, student, parents, and other school personnel to make education meaningful to each child. The Rockingham County Schools’ elementary counseling program objectives are consistent with the Virginia Standards for guidance and counseling objectives for elementary school children.
The Plains Elementary School Guidance Advisory Committee identifies needs and suggestions for the guidance program as it relates to the general student population and to the community. Its function is to assist with communication between the guidance counselor, teachers and the general parent population, and to provide input concerning community needs and classroom lessons and materials in the implementation of the classroom guidance program. It also oversees the implementation of the Rockingham County Public Schools Character Counts program at Plains. The Committee meets throughout the year, as needed.
In addition to the Guidance Counselor, the Committee includes teachers and parents. Further information concerning the committee may be obtained by calling the Guidance Counselor.
CHARACTER COUNTS EDUCATION
In 1998, the Rockingham County School Board implemented the Character Counts program in conjunction with the developing state mandate for teaching character education in all schools.
The purpose of the program is to foster personal character traits so as to improve the learning environment, promote student acheivement, and reduce disciplinary problems. This developmental program emphasizes the following six pillars of character: Citizenship, Responsibility, Caring, Respect, Trustsworthiness, and Fairness.
violence Prevention
All students K-5 receive developmentally appropriate instruction in Violence Prevention during guidance lessons with the Guidance Counselor. These lessons incorporate strategies for teasing and bullying, anger management, conflict resolution, empathy-building, and communication.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Annually, the student body participates in the following special events organized by the School Counselor and the Guidance Advisory Committee.
Random Acts of Kindness Month
Character Counts Week
Red Ribbon Week
National Child Abuse Prevention Month