Mission of the CCPS Professional School Counseling Program

The mission of the CCPS Professional School Counseling Program is to empower all students to become productive and contributing members of society. In partnership with families, staff, and the community, school counselors provide a developmental program that addresses students’ academic, personal/social and career development.

Statement of Purpose

School counselors, formerly known as guidance counselors, are available in every Chesterfield County school and work to improve the learning process by involving students, staff, parents, and other community stakeholders. At A.M. Davis Elementary, school counselors are an integral part of the whole school community and assist with any roadblock to future success and seek to maximize student achievement. Our data driven comprehensive school counseling program incorporates the Standards of School Counseling Programs through individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom guidance.

Mission Statement for A.M. Davis Counseling Department

The mission of the A.M. Davis Elementary School Counseling Department is to enhance the educational environment by providing a comprehensive, student-centered, school counseling program focused on academic achievement, social/emotional, and career development.

Vision Statement for A.M. Davis Counseling Department

At A.M. Davis Elementary School, all students are members of a diverse community that aims to develop the whole child. In alignment with our school’s vision statement, our department takes a collaborative approach to impart positive self-esteem, high academic standards, positive citizenship, and a desire for lifelong learning.

Classroom Guidance Lessons: We hope to visit your child’s classroom monthly to work with the students on a range of topics including anti-bullying, study skills, character development, understanding self and others, identifying and dealing with feelings, team building, goal setting, internet safety, celebrating diversity and more! Our goal is to address developmental issues common to ALL elementary
school-aged students. Letters will be sent home after most lessons in hopes that parents will extend these discussion topics at home.

Small Group Guidance: We will be running a variety group guidance sessions throughout the year on multiple topics. Small group counseling is available to all students in need, and may be requested by parents, students, or school staff. Parental permission is required. Groups are designed so that students may gather together in a confidential setting to work through an issue that is preventing them from doing their best in school. They have the opportunity to interact and connect with peers, practice new skills, provide and receive feedback, and set goals as needed. Topics include anger management, friendship/social skills, study skills, grief/loss, divorce/changing families, etc.

Individual Counseling: Individual counseling is available to all students in need, at the request of the student, parent, or staff member. While students may see us at any time for brief discussions, parental permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions. Students are able to express concerns in a safe environment, where problem solving can then take place.

Additional Services include (but are not limited to): Assessment resources and support (504 plans, SOL testing/Gifted testing, etc.), school-wide character development program (based on the “Fill A Bucket” program & The dragon ticket program ), school-wide community service projects, consultation with parents and teachers, participating on the school’s Child Study Intervention Team and more!

Disclosure Statement

Your child will be participating in the school counseling program on a regular basis, unless you have mailed in an opt-out request. The opt-out provision excludes short duration personal/social counseling which is needed to maintain order, discipline, or a productive learning environment, or to assess instances of suspected child abuse and/or neglect. A student may meet with the school counselor when he or she requests to, when parents/guardians, teachers, administrators or other school staff members refer the student, or if the counselor initiates contact. Written parental consent is required before students can participate in small group counseling or individual counseling that will be conducted on a continuing basis. Information and records of personal/social counseling will be kept confidential and separate from a student’s educational records and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior parental consent or unless required by law. Unfortunately, we can not provide intensive, long-term counseling services.