ASM’s Lower School is staffed with two full-time school counselors. Our growing multi-tiered system of support counseling program includes:
Transition
Welcoming new students and their parents during Orientation and supporting students’ adjustment to their new community help students to feel a sense of connection and belonging. Being a member of the ASM community, which is also an important component of Responsive Classroom, is the foundation that we build upon to ensure each student succeeds socially, emotionally, and academically. Counselors also support students when they depart ASM.
Classroom lessons (Tier 1)
Counselors develop and implement activities and lessons, in collaboration with classroom teachers and grade-level teams, that are consistent with students' developmental stages and identified needs. Lessons span the domains of academic, social, and career awareness. The Lower School counselors are working to develop a standards-based program in which they are in the classrooms on a regular basis as part of Tier 1 support for all students.
Small Groups (Tier 2)
A variety of small group activities occur throughout the year that focuses on academic and social-emotional development. These may include topics such as friendship, transition, conflict resolution, social skills, and growth mindset. These intentional interventions are considered Tier 2.
Individual Support (Tier 3)
In some instances, students need individualized support in order to fully engage in and access learning at school. School counselors strive to know each student as an individual and provide them with the skills and habits of mind that support the development of a growth mindset. The goal of short-term counseling in schools is to help students learn and use social-emotional regulation strategies to thrive. The topics may include maintaining a positive self-image, utilizing problem solving strategies, and coping skills.
Staff consultation
Counselors collaborate with teachers and other school staff to help each child reach their academic potential in a caring and connected community. This includes Responsive Classroom practices.
Parent presentations and workshops
The Lower School Counselors give a range of parent presentations and workshops on educational and developmental changes in order to develop a shared foundation of information, ensure parents are familiar with ASM’s programs and services, as well as to strengthen the home and school partnership.
