The mission of Vaughn Road Elementary School Counseling Program is to provide a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social development for all students by fostering an engaging curriculum that works with teachers, administrators, parents, and the community to support all students to become successful lifelong learners.

Greetings VRE Family,

Welcome to Vaughn Road Elementary School! I am Ms. Knight, your school counselor. I am so excited about this year! I am looking forward to this year and have high expectations for our counseling department. My major goal is to create a consistent counseling and guidance program that will teach our students the skills needed to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life, especially during this pandemic.

Throughout the school year, I will conduct guidance lessons on ways to be successful at school, home, with friends, and in the community. I believe guidance lessons are the foundation to building a positive working relationship with students.

In addition to guidance lessons, small group and individual counseling sessions will be offered. All small and large group counseling sessions will be provided only by parent knowledge and with written consent. Topics will include but not limited to divorce, bullying, anger management, friendship, self-esteem, responsibility, goal setting, loss of a loved one, and other topics as needed. All groups will be formed based on the need of the student and/or by parental request . The goal of group counseling is to provide a supportive environment to a group of children with similar needs, and whose behavior and/or emotions are affecting his/her school performance. At times, school counseling is not sufficient and an outside referral for further professional counseling may be suggested.

Yours in Education,

According to MPS OpportUNITY: A Practical Guide to Reopening (Remotely) Plan

MPS Counseling Program is dedicated to the education of the whole child. School counselors will continue to deliver a Comprehensive Guidance Plan during the pandemic. School counselors understand that working with students in a virtual setting poses challenges and limitations, but we will adhere to the same ethical guidelines, recognize and mitigate the limitations of virtual school counselor confidentiality, which may include unintended viewers or recipients.

Counselors will:

● Provide phone numbers and links for resources in emergency and nonemergency situations for families to access after-hours.

● Provide structured group lessons/presentations.

● Provide responsive services to students, as needed to help them cope with a variety of

relevant topics such as cyberbullying, social distancing, working remotely, etc.

● Maintain student records and continue with student advisement.

● Continue to make referrals to supporting agencies, as indicated.

● Conduct and document progress monitoring/follow up with families and students.

All school counselors are required to follow ASCA’s Ethical Standards for School Counselors. School counselors respect confidential information received from students, the family, guardians, and staff members, with some exceptions. Those exceptions are when: 1) there is any suspicion of child abuse or neglect; 2) where a student poses a serious threat to themselves or others; and/or 3) where legal requirements demand a release of information.

McKinney-Vento/Homeless Program

321 Early Street

223-6901

Student Support Services

321 Early Street

223-6850

MGM Area Mental Health

321 Early Street

223-6913

Counseling/Psychological Services

(Children & Adolescents)

Associated Psychologists: 334-409-0210

Catholic Social Services: 334-288-8890

Center for Child and Adolescent Development (CCAD): 334-262-5744

Family Guidance Center: 334-270-4100

Family Sunshine Center: 206-3889

Behavior Medicine: 272-3889

Samaritan Counseling Center: 334-262-7787

Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment

(Children & Adolescent)

East Alabama Medical Center (Opelika): 334-749-3411 Ext. 1010

Hillcrest Behavioral Health (Birmingham): 205-833-9000

Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health (Dothan): 334-794-7373

Children's Hospital of Alabama

Behavioral Health Ireland Center (Birmingham): 205-638-9193

Beacon Children’s Hospital: 334-335-5040