ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR’S CORNER

The Osseo-Fairchild School District Comprehensive School Counseling Program is an integral part of the primary educational mission of the district. This program supports, facilitates, and encourages classroom instruction and student achievement. Our school counseling program is proactive and preventive in its focus. It assists students in acquiring and using life-long learning skills. More specifically, our school counseling program employs strategies to enhance academics, encourage self-awareness, foster interpersonal communication skills, provide career awareness, develop employment readiness, and impart life skills for all students.

The Osseo-Fairchild School District's Comprehensive School Counseling Program is based on the National Standards for School Counseling Programs and the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model, which integrates academic, career, and personal/social development. The school counseling program reflects the progression of student development from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It is delivered through a direct service program consisting of the following components: School Counseling Curriculum
Individual Planning
*Responsive Services
*System Support

The program is systematic, sequential, clearly defined and accountable. DPI licensed school counselors develop, implement, and assess all program components through collaboration with teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, students, and community/businesses. Curriculum delivery is a collaborative effort of all school staff. The school counseling program helps ensure equal opportunity for all students to participate fully in the educational process.

PHILOSOPHY

The Osseo-Fairchild Guidance and Counseling philosophy is based on the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model (WCSCM). The WCSCM focuses on learning/academics, personal/social, and career needs for each student. As students go through the developmental stages of their lives, their needs and expectations change. Our philosophy is designed to address each developmental stage and to assist students in achieving a positive, healthy outlook towards themselves and others. Thus, becoming successful in all areas of development.

“What you get by achieving your goal is not nearly as important as what you become by achieving it”

BELIEF STATEMENTS

*We believe schools, families, and community are partners in the education of all children
-Phone conferences and/or individual conferences with students and parents when needed
-Work study in the community

*We believe learning is a life-long process
-Encourage leisure time activities that students can enjoy throughout their lives
-Provide opportunities to learn new techniques and strategies
-Continue adult education and parenting resources
-Stress skills of wellness, friendship, and cooperation

*We believe each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own choices, actions, and learning
-Require students to be respectful to self and others
-Encourage students to do their best work at all times
-Accept responsibility for their own actions
-Be prepared for classes

*We believe that the school and community will provide a variety of positive educational opportunities for students to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, and physically
-Promote diversity in one’s curriculum
-Promote cross-cultural relationships
-Promote conflict/resolution skills
-Promote sensitivity among all staff and students
-Recognize and treat teachers as professionals
-Monthly newsletters and information to parents
-Course outlines and expectations
-Students are made aware of goals, expectations, deadlines, and consequences.

*We believe in the curriculum that stresses content and methods to promote problem solving, risk-taking, adaptability, thinking skills, and application.
-Implement the use of portfolios (at the high school level)
-Use curriculum which requires and enhances problem solving and critical thinking skills.

PERFORMANCE GOALS

The Guidance and Counseling Program will provide students with the opportunity to:

Prepare for and successfully transition from one school setting to the next.
Discuss academic and personal information with parents and staff with the goal of helping each child be successful in school.
Examine the student’s goals and personal decisions related to his/her school program through individual and group opportunities
Make decisions regarding school programs and courses that are best suited to each student’s abilities, aptitudes, and career interests.
Acquire on-going support for academic, behavioral, and social difficulties as needed.
Obtain information needed to make personal, educational, and career decisions.
Plan post-high school education, training, and careers.
Examine and understand relevant assessment data.
Access appropriate school and community resources.
Utilize Exceptional Educational Needs (EEN) or Non-EEN programs or services.
Participate in developmental guidance activities designed to assist students in their personal, social, emotional, and career development.
Get to know all of our students as individuals and believe in their dreams and goals.

THE ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM

To Provide assistance to all students with their social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
To provide individual, small group, and classroom developmentally appropriate lessons for students regarding social, emotional, personal, family, behavioral, or peer difficulties, which are interfering with their educational or personal growth.
To provide support for teachers with students receiving special educational services.
To provide teachers, parents, and students with referral resources in various areas such as: child development, academic abilities, parenting challenges, outside counseling services, grief and loss, family change and dynamics, suicide awareness, and various other mental health issues.
Assist with the formulation of the IEP (individual educational plan) and coordinate counseling services recommended.
Assist parents, teachers, and students with the use and interpretation of tests results and student records.
Maintain confidentiality at all times, unless a “need to know” situation arises. During that time, the counselor will collaboratively work with the principal, teachers, parents, and students regarding the well-being of the student

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM BENEFITS

Benefits for Students:
*Increase number of students able to participate in the guidance process
*Increase opportunities for consistent counseling services throughout the school year
*Increase opportunities for counselor-student interaction
*Increase classroom performance
*Increase knowledge of the changing world
*Increase knowledge of self and others
*Develops decision-making skills
*Promotes knowledge and assistance in career exploration and development
*Increases leadership skills and opportunities to become leaders in and out of school
*Increases effective communication skills and problem-solving strategies
*Improves conflict/resolution skills
*Promotes accountability and responsibility
*Empowers youth to utilize other resources
*Encourages a positive self-concept

Benefits for Parents:
*Increases an awareness of the nature and scope of the guidance and counseling program
*Improves communication between home and school
*Increases opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between parents and school staff
*Increases knowledge of what assistance parents and their children can receive for the counselor
and the school
*Further involves the parents in their child’s educational development and long range academic goals

Benefits for Teachers:
*Encourages positive, supportive working-relationships with other teachers and staff
*Provides a team effort to address student needs and competencies
*Increases the likelihood of academic success
*Promotes a positive and healthy school environment
*Provides support and serves as a resource for students who need extra guidance

THE 40 ASSETS APPROACH

Why do some kids grow up with ease, while others struggle? Why do some kids get involved in dangerous activities, while others spend their time contributing to society? Why do some youth “beat the odds” in difficult situations, while others get trapped?

Many factors influence why some young people have successes in life and why others have a harder time. Economic circumstances, genetics, trauma, and many other factors play a role. But, these factors – which seem difficult, if not impossible, to change – aren’t all that matters. Research by Search Institute has identified 40 concrete, positive experiences and qualities – “developmental assets” – that have a tremendous influence on young people’s lives. And they are things that people from all walks of life can help to nurture. Research shows that the 40 developmental assets help young people make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring, and responsible. The assets are grouped into eight categories:

**Support: Young people need to experience support, care, and love from their families and many others. They need organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive environments.

**Empowerment: Young people need to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to others. For this to occur, they must be safe and feel secure.

**Boundaries and Expectations: Young people need to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are “in bounds” or “out of bounds”.

**Constructive use of time: Young people need constructive, enriching opportunities for growth through creative activities, youth programs, congregational involvement, and quality time at home.

**Commitment to learning: Young people need to develop a lifelong commitment to education and learning.

**Positive Values: Youth need to develop strong values that guide their choices.

**Social Competencies: Young people need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to succeed in life.

**Positive Identity: Young people need a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth, and promise.

The asset framework is a framework that includes everyone. Families, schools, neighborhoods, congregations, and all organizations, institutions, and individuals in a community can play a role in building assets for youth. This brochure introduces the assets, shows their power and presence in young people’s lives, and gives concrete suggestions for what you can do to build assets.

**Search Institute, (1997). The Asset Approach: Giving Kids What they need to Succeed., Minneapolis, MN.

OSSEO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S K-5 DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE CALENDAR

September: Academic Fitness & Getting Acquainted

October: Understanding Self and Others, Feelings, & Red Ribbon Week)

November: Coping & Decision Making
Human Growth & Development (1/2 day presentation for 4th & 5th graders)

December: Family Dynamics

January: Diversity & Appreciating Differences, Bullying
No name calling week

February: Alcohol, Drug, & Tobacco Prevention, Refusal Skills

March: Careers

April: Health & Safety - Protective Behavior Unit
Child Abuse Prevention Month

May: Citizenship, Fifth Grade Transition Unit

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND STUDENTS

State of WI - Access
This site will help determine if a family can qualify for financial assistance.

Alcohol & Other Chemical use Counseling:

Krohn Clinic – Black River Falls – 715-284-1887
L.E. Philips Center – Black River Falls – 715-284-7074
Gundersen Lutheran Counseling Services – Whitehall – 715-538-2383
Franciscan Skemp Behavioral Health – LaCrosse – 608-323-7775
Black River Memorial Hospital – Black River Falls – 715-284-5361
L.E. Phillips Center – Chippewa Falls – 715-723-5585
Transitus House – Chippewa Falls - 715-723-1155
Sacred Heart Hospital – Eau Claire – 715-723-1811
Coulee Council on Addictions – La Crosse – 608-784-4177

Community Needs:

Badgercare - 1-888-907-4455 (www.dhfs.state.wi.us/badgercare)
Medicaid Information for Trempealeau County - 715-538-4274 (www.dhfs.state.wi.us/medicaid)
3. Western Dairyland - 715-985-2391

Evaluation/Remediation Services:

Birth to Three Program – Chippewa Falls – 715-726-7799
Human Development Center / UWEC – Eau Claire – 715-836-5604

Family Resources:

River Source Family Center – Chippewa Falls – 715-720-1841
Family Support Center – Chippewa Falls – 1-800-400-7020
Family Tree – Whitehall – 715-538-2771
American Red Cross – Chippewa Falls – 715-723-4655
Bolton Refuge House – Eau Claire – 715-834-9578
Chippewa Area United Way – Chippewa Falls – 715-723-0166
Triniteam Caregivers – Eau Claire – 715-836-8114
Lutheran Social Services – 715-538-2383
Family Literacy – Eau Claire – 715-835-0610
Luther Hospital – Eau Claire – Support Groups – 717-838-3552
Trempealeau County Health Department - 715-538-4861
The Healing Place - 715-833-6028
Great Rivers - 2-1-1 - (Dial 211 or 1-800-362-8255

Mental Health Services:

MATCH-Family Resources - 715-833-1735
Marshfield Clinic - Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - 858-4950
The Healing Place – Eau Claire – 715-833-6028
Sacred Heart Hospital – Behavioral Health – Eau Claire – 715-839-4272
Trempealeau County Human Services – 715-538-2311 Ext. 290 or 715-538-2311 Ext. 1220
Dept. of Behavioral Health – Luther Hospital – Eau Claire – 715-839-3066
Chippewa County Guidance Clinic – Chippewa Falls – 715-726-7788
Caillier Clinic – Eau Claire – 715-836-0064
Luther Midelfort-Mayo Health System – Eau Claire – 715-838-3311
First things first Counseling – Eau Claire – 715-832-8432
Heinz Psychological Services – Eau Claire – 715-834-3171
Lutheran Social Services - Eau Claire - 715-838-9856
Omne Clinic – Eau Claire – 715-832-5454
Great Rivers - 2-1-1 - (Dial 211 or 1-800-362-8255
Northwest Counseling & Guidance Clinic-715-839-6290
West Central Wisconsin Behavioral Health-715-985-3452

Academic Concerns:

Northwest Reading Clinic Ltd – Eau Claire – 715-834-2754

Day Treatment Programs:

Northwest Passage -715-635-7204
Northwest Day Treatment - 715-284-1100
Family & Children's Centers - 715-284-9477
Northwest Counseling & Guidance - 715-552-1342
Mikan Marriage & Health Services - 715-832-0238
Eau Claire Academy - 715-834-6681

Parental Support:

Family Support Center – Chippewa Falls – 715-723-1138
Parent Educational Project – Eau Claire – 715-874-4960
River Source Family Center – Chippewa Falls – 1-888-413-3400
We’re For U – Chippewa Falls – 1-800-400-ForU

Abuse Helplines:

Bridge to Hope – Menomonie – 1-800-924-9918
Family Support Center – Chippewa Falls – 715-723-1138
Sexual Assault Treatment – Eau Claire – 715-839-7273
Sacred Heart Hospital – Eau Claire – 715-839-4222
New Horizons - 1-888-231-0066
Bolton Refuge House - Eau Claire - 715-834-9578 & 24 Hour Line: 1-800-252-4357

Hospitals:

Osseo Area Hospital – Osseo – 597-3121
Fairchild Clinic – Fairchild – 334-3771
Sacred Heart Hospital – Eau Claire – 715-839-4121
Luther Hospital – Eau Claire - 839-3311
Poison Control - 1-612-221-2113

Sheriff/Police Departments:

911 emergency phone number
Jackson County Sheriff’s Department – 1-715-284-5357
Clark County Sheriff’s Department – 1-715-743-3224
Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department – 1-715-839-4972
Osseo Police Department – 597-2481
Fairchild Police – 334-6571
Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Departement – 715-538-4351

IN WHICH HOUSE DO YOU LIVE IN?

“I got two A’s” the small boy said
His voice was filled with glee
His father very bluntly asked,
“Why didn’t you get three?”

“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done”,
The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly asked,
“Did you sweep the floor?”

“I mowed the grass”, the tall boy said,
“and put the mower away”.
His father asked him with a shrug,
“Did you clean off the clay?”

The children in the house next door
Seemed happy and content.
The same thing happened over there,
But this is how it went.

“I got two A’s” the small boy said.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father proudly said, “That’s great,
I’m glad you belong to me!”

“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,”
The girl called from the door.
Her mother smile and softly said,
“Each day i love you more”.

“I mowed the grass”, the tall boy said,
“and put the mower away.”
His father answered with much joy,
“You’ve made my day happy”.

Children deserve praise
For the tasks they’re asked to do.
If they’re to lead happy lives,
So much depends on you!!

Anonymous

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Osseo-Fairchild School District

District

Osseo-Fairchild High School

Osseo-Fairchild Middle School

Osseo-Fairchild Elementary Schools