Counseling
Our Vision
The vision of the Wilson County K-8 School Counseling program is to support a school climate in which each student is valued and their developmental needs are considered whilst providing an opportunity to learn in a safe environment. The K-8 School Counselor shall manage their School Counseling program and services by using data to make informed decisions and follow ethical practices.
Our Mission
The mission of our School Counseling program is to deliver comprehensive, differentiated, and data-driven services to reach all students, which allows students to attain skills and fosters necessary attitudes for academic, career, and social emotional success.
Our Beliefs
The Lakeview Elementary School counselor believes:
- All students have dignity and deserve respect.
- All students are capable of learning and becoming productive adults.
- All students have individual learning needs and styles.
- All students’ differences in regards to ethnicity, race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation should be respected, and all students should feel included in the school community regardless of these or other differences.
- All students deserve to learn in a safe and nurturing high-quality environment.
- All students should have access to a comprehensive school counseling program administered by a full-time, state-certified, master’s-degree-level school counselor.
- The school counselor should serve as a leader and collaborator in assessing students’ barriers to learning and developing strategies to help students find success.
- The school counselor should use data to design, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve the comprehensive school counseling program.
- The school counselor should be familiar with and abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.
Counseling Resources
In this section you will find contact information and links to community resources and services available in our area. Lakeview Elementary and Wilson County Schools do not endorse or refer to any specific provider. This list is simply for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contact information provided here is up-to-date; however, all information is subject to change.
Visit the following pages to learn more about the different types of resources available:
- School Counseling Services
- Community Resources
- Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Counselor Contact
School Counseling Services
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling in the school setting is short-term and solution-focused. The goal of school-based individual counseling is to identify and overcome any barriers to learning a student may be facing. Counselors meet with students to discuss problems or concerns on a one-to-one basis in our offices. Counseling in a school setting can be very beneficial, but is not a replacement for outpatient therapy. We have listed names of some local therapists under the Community Resources page on this website if you are interested in pursuing outside counseling for your child.
To initiate an individual counseling session, students may either drop into the Counseling Office to see if the counselor is available or let their teacher(s) know. Teachers and parents can also request that we see a student if they think it would be helpful. In order to refer your student for individual school counseling, please email the counselor. Students and staff may also refer online during school hours to save time and to do so confidentially.
If you are concerned that your child or another student may be a danger to themselves or others, DO NOT EMAIL to refer them for help. Instead, seek emergency assistance immediately. For non-emergency concerns, you may also call the counseling office to speak with a counselor or assistant principal.
Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling is offered throughout the school year. These groups vary in topic and grade level based on referrals from teachers and parents, but the goal is always to help students who share a common concern or need. Possible group topics include divorce, grief, children with a deployed family member, communication skills/anger management, friendship, and positive choices. Groups meet for 4-8 sessions and every effort is made to schedule them at a time when the students miss as little class time as possible. During our group meetings, we do a variety of exercises and activities (art, music, games, writing, group sharing, etc.) all with the purpose of helping the students learn to cope with whatever obstacle they are facing.
Students who are referred for group are screened first to see if their needs are best met in a group setting, and all must have a signed permission slip in order to participate. If you feel like your child would benefit from this type of counseling, please contact the counselor for more information.
Classroom & Large Group Counseling
Classroom and large group counseling lessons are provided throughout the school year. Lessons, settings, and content vary by topic and grade level. Content can include the following topics: transitioning to middle school, career exploration, digital citizenship, study skills, interpersonal skills, making good choices, emotion managment, SEL activities, and more.
Community Resources
In this section you will find contact information and links to community resources and services available in our area. Lakeview Elementary and Wilson County Schools do not endorse or refer to any specific provider. This list is simply for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contact information provided here is up-to-date; however, all information is subject to change.
Visit the following pages to learn more about the different types of resources available:
Academic Services
Here are some names of private organizations that provide academic services. Lakeview Elementary and Wilson County Schools do not endorse or refer to any specific provider. This list is simply for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contact information provided here is up-to-date, however all information is subject to change.
Dynamic Therapy Center- Dynamic Solutions for Kids
163 Business Park Drive Suite 11
Lebanon, TN 37090
615-443-4445
The Mission of Dynamic Therapy Center is to provide a comprehensive program of services to meet each child’s developmental needs. We provide both traditional and non-traditional therapy services by utilizing experienced pediatric specialists in a variety of fields to maximize each child’s abilities.
The Focus Center for the Evaluation and Treatment of ADHD
1901 Logue Road
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
615-815-1772
Middle Tennessee State University
TN Center for the Treatment and Study of Dyslexia
615-494-8880
The center offers free parent workshops about dyslexia and other academic challenges. Please see the attachments below for registration information.
Hermitage Enrichment and Learning Program: H.E.L.P. for Kids
627 Shute Lane
Old Hickory, TN 37138
615-883-5437
H.E.L.P. for Kids provides one-on-one tutoring, summer enrichment camps, ACT Prep Courses, College Coaching, and services for home schooled students.
Homework Hotline
298-6636
888-868-5777
Free tutoring by phone
4:00- 8:00pm Monday-Thursday
English*Spanish*Arabic*Kurdish*Swahili
Restoration Community Outreach, Inc.
12007 Lebanon Rd. PO Box 974
Mt. Juliet, TN 37121
615-754-7777
Basic Needs
Basic Needs
Here are some names of organizations that assist families in meeting their basic needs. Lakeview Elementary and Wilson County Schools do not endorse or refer to any specific provider. This list is simply for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contact information provided here is up-to-date, however all information is subject to change.
Big Brothers can help when a family is experiencing short term difficulties with paying an electrical bill, water bill, heating bill, sewer bill, rent, needing food for their family, medications, etc.,They have a committee that takes the request, investigates and makes a decision on whether help is needed. They also will have a Christmas store for those in need.
Wilson County Community Help Center
230 W. High Street
Lebanon, TN 37087
615-449-1856
The objective of the Help Center is to provide food, clothing, household necessities, and financial assistance for utilities, gasoline and prescription drugs for individuals in need in our community, along with Ensure for our elderly and cancer patients.
Wilson County HelpQuest is an Internet based database for detailed information about community services in Wilson County, TN.
3425B N. Mt. Juliet Rd.
Mt. Juliet, Tennessee 37122
615-754-435
Our purpose is to provide emergency assistance and to help people achieve stability by offering a helping hand; so that the next hand reaching out to others could be their own. We strive to help all citizens in the Mt. Juliet area. All information is kept confidential. We team up with churches, schools, and other organizations to provide as much help as possible.
Emergency Shelter for Women & Children
Brooks House in Lebanon
615-444-8882
Medical Care for People (age 16 & up) who are uninsured
2620 N. Mt. Juliet Road
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
615.773.5785
Parenting Resources
Wilson County Schools Family Resource Center
Wilson County Schools Family Resource Center provides parenting support and education that can make your role as a parent less stressful and more enjoyable.
The Challenges of Parenting Can Be:
It is natural for all parents to have some or all of these feelings at times. This is why parenting support and education is so important.
The Family Resource Center also provides:
Wilson County Parents as Teachers
A free, educational program designed to provide information, fun activities, support, and encouragement to parents of children ages birth to five years old living in Wilson County, TN. This is done through parent group meetings and personal visits focusing on children. For more information call (615) 444-8267.
Wilson County Schools' FRC & Lebanon Special School District's FRC
Partner together to provide parent workshops throughout the school year. These two centers work closely to make sure needs of families are met. Please see the attachment below (titled "Hot Topics 2014-2015" for upcoming parent workshops.
Sends a free book every month to any child in Wilson County under the age of 5. For more information call (615) 444-8267.
- Overwhelming
- Discouraging
- Stressful
- Confusing
- Referrals for public services
- Lending Library
- Eye exams and glasses through the Lions Club
- Parenting Classes
- Educational Workshops
- Backpack or Kids weekend food program (school year)
- Aid with needs such as food, clothing, school supplies, etc.
- Group meetings and home visitation through Wilson County Parents as Teachers
Private Therapists
Here are some names of private therapists and mental health centers in our area. Mt. Juliet Middle School and Wilson County Schools do not endorse or refer to any specific provider. This list is simply for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contact information provided here is up-to-date, however all information is subject to change.
If you (or someone you know) is having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
American Behavioral Consultants (ABC)
- Offers Psychiatric Evaluations, Psychological Testing, Medication Management, Counseling (individual and group) for issues related to Depression, Eating Disorders, PTSD and Substance Abuse Recovery.
- ABC accepts most major insurance including TennCare, Amerigroup, United Healthcare and Medicare. It has a sliding scale fee.
- Located at 1432 W. Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)444-7411
Terri Allen Atwood Counseling
- Specializes in Relationship issues; Anxiety; Depression.
- Offers counseling for individuals and couples.
- Atwood Counseling accepts private pay.
- Located at 1777 Tate Lane, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)866-1426
Mary Anne Byrnes, BSW, LMFT
- Specialties include Relationship Issues; Parenting; Family Conflict Issues. Serves Preteens (11 to 13); Adolescents (14 to 19); Adults.
- Byrnes Counseling accepts Magellan Behavioral Health Insurance and Cash/ Check. A sliding scale fee is also offered.
- Located at 3735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Suite 100, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)823-7699.
Buchanan Counseling and Consulting
- Specialties include Addiction; Alcohol Abuse; and Substance Abuse.
- Buchanan Counseling offers counseling for Adolescents (14 to 19) and Adults.
- Offers a sliding scale fee and accepts private pay.
- Located at Cumberland University, Labry Hall, Room 115, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)293-4967.
Cambiare Counseling Centre
- Offers individual, couple, family and group counseling.
- Located at 3735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)317-0642
Camelot Care Center of Mid-North TN
- Camelot Care Center offers community-based family counseling and prevention services. They specialize in foster care, home-based intensive counseling, outpatient therapy, case management, substance abuse, and family preservation services.
- Camelot Care Center accepts TennCare.
- Located at 1633 W. Main St., Suite 901, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)547-4994
Centerstone – Gallatin
- Centerstone in Gallatin, TN provides services for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and their families who suffer from a myriad of behavioral health challenges.
- Centerstone accepts most major insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- Located at 332 Sumner Hall Drive, Gallatin, TN 37066; (615)460-4500
Centerstone Venture Circle/Nashville
- Has a Child and Adolescent Outpatient Office; Child and Youth Residential Treatment Services; Crisis Call Center; Lifeline Crisis.
- Centerstone Venture Circle accepts most major insurance including Medicare and Medicaid. Payment assistance is available through the “Client Assistance Fund” if needed.
- Located at 230 Venture Circle, Nashville, TN 37228
- Information and Appointments: 1(888)291-HELP (4357)Child and Adolescent Outpatient: (615)460-4200
- Child and Youth Residential Treatment Services: (615)460-4260
- Middle Tennessee Crisis Call Center: 1(800)681-7444; 24/7/365; completely confidential.
Centerstone has partnered with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to offer a confidential, secure, and anonymous way of reaching out for help when you don’t know where else to turn.
- Lifeline Crisis Chat: 1(800)273-TALK (8255); 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Another option can be found online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org (1 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Counseling Associates of Mt. Juliet
- Counseling Associates of Mt. Juliet provides community-based family counseling for children, adolescents, and families. Various counselors specialize in issues such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and child sexual abuse, to name a few.
- Accepts most major insurance, straight fee for service, no sliding fee scales, and does not accept TennCare.
- Located at 547 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Suite 100, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)754-5853
Cumberland Mental Health Center of Lebanon
- Cumberland offers an Addiction Recovery Program; Case Management (adult and child); Outpatient Therapy (individual, family and group); School Based Therapy; and Psychological Evaluations.
- Cumberland Mental Health accepts TennCare Insurance.
- Located at 1404 Winter Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)444-4300
Cumberland Mental Health Center of Gallatin
- Addiction Recovery Program
- DUI Treatment
- Case Management, Adult and Child; Individual, Family, and Group Therapy
- Jail Re-entry Program
- Mobile Crisis Response
- Psychiatric Medication Management
- Probation Offender TX
- Specialty Contracts for VA and Military Evaluations
- Serves all patients regardless of inability to pay
- Has Sliding scale fee
- Located at 510 E. Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066; (615)452-1354
Family and Children’s Service (United Way Funded) (FCS)
- FCS provides counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples/marriage counseling. FCS also offers a Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) Support Service.
- FCS is located at 201 23rd Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203;
- Crisis Line: (615)244-7444
- Information and Appointments: (615)320-0591; Intake Counselor, Juanita Watts: (615)340-9742; Does not accept private insurance, but offers sliding scale fees.
Dr. Brooke Foxworthy
- Foxworthy specializes in Anxiety; Self-Esteem Issues; Trauma and PTSD, and serves Adolescents (14 to 19), and Adults.
- Foxworthy accepts private pay only.
- Located at 3735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)219-1098
Goodner Counseling (Mary Goodner, LCSW)
- Goodner Counseling offers family, couples and adult counseling.
- Located at 500 Park Ave., Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)449-0500
Harp Professional Counseling and Consulting
- Harp Professional Counseling specializes in Trauma and PTSD; Women’s Issues; Domestic Violence; Mood Disorders.
- Accepts private pay and offers a sliding scale fee.
- Located in Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)549-0635
Hendrick Counseling Services
- Hendrick Counseling Services provides a variety of services to children, adolescents and adults.
- Services are provided for Depression; Anxiety; Anger; Grief/ Loss; Mood Disorders; Abuse Recovery; and Behavioral Management.
- Hendrick Counseling Service accepts private insurance.
- Located at 440 Park Ave, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)449-9611
Trent Hughes Counseling
- Trent Hughes Counseling specializes in Anxiety; Addiction; and Trauma/PTSD. THC serves adolescents and adults.
- Accepted payment is private pay and they offer a sliding scale fee.
- Located at 3735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)745-3987
Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Inc. (JFS)
- JFS provides professional social services from Jewish perspectives which respond to and support individuals and families through life’s transitions.
- Located at 801 Percy Warner Boulevard, Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37205; (615)356-4234
Dr. Tracia Jungkurth
- Jungkurth serves adults and specializes in Addiction; Mood Disorders; and Grief.
- Accepts most major insurance, private pay, and has a sliding scale fee.
- Located at 313B W. Division St., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)219-0778.
Lantern Lane Farm (Faith-Based) LLF
- The counselors at LLF specialize in Relationship Issues; Family Conflict; and Parenting. In addition to their regular professional counseling staff, LLF employs four interns who are supervised by the Director, offering counseling at a much lower rate than usual ($25 an hour).
- They provide a wide variety of counseling services for children, adolescents and families, offering both individual and group counseling.
- Accepts private pay and offers a sliding scale fee.
- Located at 6201 Corinth Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)973-5454.
LifeCare Family Services- Lebanon Office
- LifeCare offers Individual and/or Family Therapy; Child and Adult Psychiatric Care and Counseling; Mental Health Case Management; and In Home Child and Family Services. LifeCare specializes in Pre-Marital and ongoing Marital Issues; Divorce; Grief/Loss;
- Depression; Anxiety; Alcohol and Drug Issues; Trauma; Behavioral Problems; Parenting, and other matters requiring an ongoing recovery program.
- Lifecare accepts TennCare, most major insurance plans, personal out-of-pocket, and sliding scale rates (based on personal income and family size).
- Located at 417 Harding Drive, Suite D, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)453-1606
Life Lessons Therapy (LLT); (Lori Drake Bunch, LPC)
- LLT offers child, adolescent, adult, individual, group, and family therapy, and specializes in issues such as Anxiety; Depression; ADHD; Asperger’s Disorder; Autism; Divorce; Grief/Loss; and Behavior issues.
- Accepts private pay, and accepts most major insurance.
- Located at 102 Hazel Path, Suite 5, Hendersonville, TN 37075; (615)824-7822
Mental Health Cooperative (MHC); (Gallatin Office serves Wilson County)
- Serves children, adolescents and adults; Offers a Crisis Line and a Mobile Crisis Team for Children.
- Adult Services: (615)743-1555
- Crisis Line: (615)726-0125
- Mobile Crisis Team for Children: (615)726-0125
- All TennCare Plans accepted! MHC will work with families who do not have insurance.
- Located at 1078 S. Water Ave., Gallatin, TN 37066; (615)230-9663
Neighborhood Health (NH)
- NH provides health care for all ages; Family Planning; Prenatal Services; Insurance Application Assistance; and Mental Health Counseling.
- Dental services provided at East Side Clinic and Napier Place Clinic in Nashville, TN. Charges are based on a sliding scale. NH accepts TennCare, Medicare, and other private insurance.
NH locations are as follows:
217 East High Street, Suite 200, Lebanon, TN 37087
100 Damascus Street, Hartsville, TN 37074;
East Side Clinic; 905 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Napier Place Clinic; 107 Charles E. Davis Blvd., Nashville, TN 37206
601 W. Due West Ave., Madison, TN 37115
Information and appointments call: (615)227-3000
Alonzo Parker Counseling
- Alonzo Parker Counseling specializes in cancer and heart disease transitions; Relationship Issues; and Coping Skills. Alonzo Parker serves Adults, and accepts private pay.
- Located at 706 Cadet Court, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)745-1191.
Christopher J. Quarto, Ph.D., PLLC
- Specializes in psychological testing for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), anxiety/depression, learning disabilities, etc., which include practical “game plans” to help students.
- Christopher J. Quarto, Ph.D., PLLC accepts private pay and some private insurance as an out-of-network provider.
- Located at 509 Crossway Ave., Murfreesboro, TN 37128. 615-403-5227 (chrisquarto.com)
Rainbows
- Sponsored by First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Lebanon, TN;
- In a group setting, Rainbows fosters emotional healing among children and teens who have experienced a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, separation or divorce of their parents, and/or a myriad of other life-altering changes.
- The group meets one night per week for approximately 12 weeks. It is free and is open to the community.
- Located at 415 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087
- Contact: Cori Brantley; (615)444-3315
Righteous Oaks Counseling (ROC)
- Righteous Oaks is a faith-based and solution focused therapy. ROC specializes in Anxiety; Relationship Issues; and Grief. ROC offers counseling to Adolescents (14 to 19), and Adults.
- Righteous Oaks accepts most insurance plans, private pay, and has a sliding scale fee.
- Located at 3735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)601-2352
Sarah Scott, LPC-MHSPSarah
- Scott works with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression, anxiety, grief counseling, parenting support, and couples counseling.
- Sarah Scott accepts most private insurance plans, as well as private pay.
Located at 3735 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)758-4158
Sharper Solutions; Susan Harper, Licensed Professional Counselor
- Susan Harper serves adolescents and adults and specializes in Substance Abuse; Codependency; and Coping Skills.
- Payment information not specified;
- Located at 2636 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)603-3696
Elizabeth Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
- Elizabeth Smith Counseling specializes in a variety of mental health issues; Serves Preteens (11 to 13); Adolescents (14 to 19); Adults.
- Accepts most major insurance; accepts private pay.
- Located at 2504 Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)610-1274
Harriet Stewart, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
- Harriet Stewart Counseling specializes in Depression; Grief/Loss; Trauma and PTSD. Client focus is Preteens (11 to 13); Adolescents; Adults.
- Accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield and most other major insurance; accepts private pay.
- Located in Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)823-2622
Brandon Teeftaller, Psychiatric Nurse/ Family Nurse Practitioner
- Brandon Teeftaller specializes in treating a wide variety of mental illnesses in adolescents and adults. Specialties include Bipolar Disorder; Medication Management; Substance Abuse; and ADHD.
- Brandon Teeftaller accepts most major insurance, as well as private pay.
- Located in Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)745-1107
Tennessee Christian Medical Center (TCMC)
- Inpatient and/or outpatient drug rehab, with a primary focus on mental health services. TCMC also offers partial Hospitalization Drug Rehab, and Substance Abuse Day Treatment.
- TCMC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Private Health Insurance and Military Insurance.
Located at 500 Hospital Dr., Madison, TN 37115; (615)865-2373
The Art of Healing, P.C.; Deb Cohen, Professional Counselor/ Family Psychiatric Nurse
- Deb Cohen specializes in Trauma and PTSD; Medication Management; and Mood Disorders. The Art of Healing serves Preteens (11 to 13); Adolescents (14 to 19); and Adults.
- Deb Cohen accepts most major insurance plans, private pay, and offers a sliding scale fee.
- The Art of Healing is located at 2504 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615)866-5269 or (615)229-6384.
Vanderbilt Behavioral Health (VBH)
- Offers individualized patient care through a wide array of connected services that provide each patient with the right psychiatric treatments for his or her needs. Child, adolescent and adult services are offered, as well as a 24/7 Crisis Assessment and Admissions
- Program, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
VBH is located at 1601 23rd Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212; (615)327-7000 or (800)365-2270.
Vertrees Clinical Group, PLLC
- Vertrees Clinical Group provides Individual; Child/Family; Couple/Marital; and Group Counseling. They accept some insurance plans (though not specified).
- Located at 125 South College Street, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615)784-4056
Programs
McKinney-Vento (STEP)
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 reauthorized the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The program is now referred to as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001. This part of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is intended to ensure that students in transition are not left behind in school. Stability and adequacy of the living arrangement are critical considerations when determining qualifications. The term “student in transition” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Students who qualify for the Mc-Kinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act are identified by the Student Residency Forms which are completed by all families in Skyward at the beginning of each school year. If your student(s) qualify for these services, you will be contacted via letter sent home.
The school counselor is the McKinney-Vento liasons for Lakeview students. If you have any questions regarding McKinney-Vento, please feel free to contact the school at 615-758-5619 and ask to speak to your child's school counselor.
Section 504
Your child's school counselor serves as the Section 504 coordinator for the students enrolled at Lakeview Elementary. Section 504 is a civil rights statute which provides: “No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States…shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” 29 USC § 794
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as Section 504, is a federal nondiscrimination statute. The purpose of the Act is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to nondisabled students.
An eligible student under Section 504 is a student who:
If you would like more information about Section 504, please contact your child's school counselor, or the Wilson County School's District 504 Coordinator, Tammy Crane 615-444-3282 (cranetr@wcschools.com).
- Has a disability
- Has a record of having a disability
- Is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity such as learning, self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working and performing manual tasks.
SEL Social Emotional Learning
Second Step is a research based social emotional learning (SEL) program designed to improve students' social emotional skills, such as emotion management, impulse control, problem solving, and empathy. Studies show that these skills can help improve academic performance, reduce negative social behaviors like bullying, and create positive classroom & school climates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are School Counselors?
- A person who provides support services for all students.
- A resource for all staff members and parents.
- A liaison with outside community resources.
- Are NOT: Disciplinarians, Administrators, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, or Social Workers
What do they do?
School Counselors wear many hats. They serve to help remove barriers for students to help support them academically. Each year, School Counselors work with school administration and use data to drive the upcoming school year programs. School Counselors will deliver classroom lessons, individual counseling (not ongoing), provide small group counseling, responsive services, makes referrals to outside agencies and crisis interventions. They will also work with parents, teachers, and students to help make their year successful.
- Responsive Services:
- Meeting immediate needs and concerns of students.
- Support in crisis situations.
- Consultation and collaboration with staff, families, and specialists.
- Academic:
- Classroom behavior support
- Goal setting
- College & Career:
- Explore interests and skills
- Awareness of college & career options
- Development of life skills
- Personal & Social Skills:
- Building Self-Esteem
- Making & Keeping Friends
- Coping Skills
- Bereavement & Grief
- Anger Management
- Problem Solving Skills
- Strengths and Resiliency
- Conflict Resolution
- Peer Mediation
What is the focus of their services?
School counseling is considered a regular/general educational service provided by the school. The School Counselor may meet with all students at the school; however, continual counseling sessions will require signed Informed Consent from the parent or guardian of the child. The primary focus of the School Counselor is to help students be ready to learn. Focusing on academic development, personal/social development, career awareness and exploration, working with all students, either individually, in small groups, or with the whole class.
How are services delivered?
- Classroom Guidance:
Guidance lessons will consist of many of the topics listed above and in the Academic, College & Career, and Personal/Social areas. The frequency of classroom guidance lessons will vary, but typically 1-2 times per month/per grade level. Classroom guidance lessons will engage students with developmentally appropriate, interactive lessons while creating awareness of self and others.
- Small-Group Counseling:
Generally, a group of 3-5 students, formed by grade level and/or sharing a common concern. Help and support students in areas of self-confidence, friendship, grief, attitude, and behavior changes, and more.
- Individual Counseling:
The School Counselor will work 1:1 with students, focusing on specific topics to the child's individual needs and area of growth.
How can my child see the School Counselor?
Students (grades 2-5) can fill out a request to see the School Counselor form online. Students (grades K-1) will have their teacher fill out the form or obtain a hard copy from outside the School Counseling Office and place it in the School Counselor mailbox. Often though, students are seen due to parent or teacher referral. Other times, students with quick questions will drop by and see the School Counselor throughout the day.
How often will my child see the School Counselor?
Depending on the student, those receiving services will meet with the School Counselor between 2-3 times a month for 20-30 minutes per session. Students may take part in both a small counseling group & 1:1 counseling or periodical check-ins. Appropriate adjustments will be made, and all services and sessions will be during school hours and are free of charge.
Will parents/guardians be notified if their child sees the School Counselor?
Parents are not automatically notified if their child meets with their School Counselor. If the student starts being seen regularly, the School Counselor will inform the parents. While qualified, School Counselors are not to be used as ongoing therapy for students. If the School Counselor feels that a student can benefit from outside counseling, s/he will notify parents and help support them with community resources. Confidentiality is an essential part of the counselor/ student relationship, which is held in high regard. The School Counselor will usually ask for student permission before sharing with parents. However, if a student is a danger to themselves or others, parents are always notified immediately.
Will everyone know that my child is seeing the School Counselor?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the School Counseling Profession. For the student to feel comfortable, it is vital to safeguard their information. The School Counselor will only share information with teachers and parents with student permission. If a student is a danger to themselves or others, parents are notified immediately, regardless of the student wants that information shared.
Is my child in trouble if they see the School Counselor?
The School Counselor does not handle discipline or give consequences for student behavior. Students should not view coming to see the School Counselor as a negative experience. If a student receives discipline from an administrator, the School Counselor will see the student within a few days as a follow-up. It is not to reinforce the consequence but to talk about what happened and help brainstorm ways to positively handle similar situations.
When is it appropriate to contact my child’s School Counselor?
Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact your child’s School Counselor with questions or concerns regarding issues that may be affecting your child’s academic progress. Such topics could include family changes, social difficulties, or mental health problems. Opening the door of communication to your child's challenges is beneficial to the services that the School Counselor can provide to your child during the school day.
How is a School Counselor different from a therapist?
School Counselors help students be ready for learning by providing short-term assistance with particular issues that may be roadblocks to their education. Therapists treat mental health disorders on an ongoing, usually regularly scheduled basis. If a child is upset or distressed in school, the School Counselor will work with the child to help the child be ready to learn. For issues beyond School Counseling's scope, your child’s School Counselor can provide community resources to the student's parent or guardian.
Do you make mental health diagnoses?
No, School Counselors do not make mental health diagnoses. However, they use direct observation, input from parents, teachers, other staff, and information from the student to create a portrait of the student in the school environment. This information is used in conjunction with the teachers to determine strategies to help students succeed in the school setting.
Will you recommend mental health resources?
While not making recommendations, the School Counselor will provide parents with a list of local mental health resources. The choice of practice or agency is strictly the decision of the parent or guardian. The School Counselor can explain the process and provide permission forms for parents to access the Student Assistance Program's services should there be concerns regarding the student's mental health or drug and alcohol issues.
Can School Counselors provide financial help resources to parents?
School Counselors can provide parents and guardians with community resources and contact for assistance with food, clothing, or medical coverage. Periodically, anonymous community members will donate/provide services to parents that display a need in other areas such as utilities, transportation, etc.
If your family requires help, please contact the School Counselor at (615) 758-5619 or AmadiMel100@wcschools.com
Are School Counselors available to assist students with grief or trauma?
Absolutely. School Counselors are concerned for students as individuals and for their preparedness to learn and be successful in the school setting. Grief and trauma are roadblocks to the brain’s readiness to learn. The School Counselor will work with students to process grief and provide community resources for families should the grief need further attention.
What is the School Counselors' role in reducing/preventing bullying?
School Counselors work with the school population through classroom lessons &/or assemblies to raise the students' awareness regarding strategies to reduce bullying, identify the roles played in a bullying situation, and appropriate responses. The School Counselor will also work with students in small groups or individually to help students recognize their roles in a particular situation and discover ways to relate to others more positively.