Ekstrand Guidance and Counseling Program
Kindergarten Guidance | First Grade Guidance | Second Grade Guidance | Third Grade Guidance | Parent Resouces
Hi! My name is Mrs. Burgmeier and I am the school counselor at Ekstrand Elementary School. I will be working with students individually, in small groups, and in their classroom. Below is a brief introduction of each:
Small group counseling is an opportunity for students to work with 5-8 other children in a collaborative setting. I will send home a permission slip that lets parents know what the topic is, what will be covered, and the goals of the group. Parents have the option of allowing their child to participate or declining the invitation to the small group. My goal is to have every child in at least one small group during the school year. Small group topics can include: friendships, divorce, bullying, stress, and anxiety.
Guidance classroom counseling allows the counselor to teach guidance lessons to a whole class. Teachers sign-up for units they would like to be taught based on what they think their students need most. Common topics include: self-esteem, making and keeping friends, manners/positive school behaviors and bullying.
Individual counseling is an opportunity for the counselor and the student to work through issues they may be facing (home, school, friends, study skills, self-esteem, etc). After assessing the student I will put together a plan to work with the student to get through their issues by instilling skills they can use. Activities that I will be doing with students include, but are not limited to: play therapy, identifying feelings, relaxation techniques, and bibliotherapy (books). A student is usually referred by their parent/guardian, teacher or principal.
Students can also request to see me. My office is a place for them to feel that they can be safe, be heard, and be themselves. I honor each one of my students and will keep what they share confidential unless I feel that they are going to harm themselves or others or if I feel that it is in the benefit of the child to alert their teachers to help them be a better student in the classroom. The amount of time that I spend with each child depends on why they were referred or would like to be seen. Sometimes students have a weekly scheduled time and some are only on an “as needed” basis.
I look forward to being a resource for your child throughout the school year. My goal is to help your child be successful academically and socially. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (563) 659-4758 or at Katie.Burgmeier@central-clinton.k12.ia.us.
Thank you!
Mrs. Katie Burgmeier