Counselor

Welcome to the Counseling Program at Winton Elementary School. I am Ms. Semko, the counselor. I have been part of the Winton school community for twelve years. Winton is a fantastic school. There are many good things happening here at Winton Elementary. The school is small in size (between 250 and 300 students). The adults are caring and students become part of a caring family.

The counseling program operates from a prevention perspective. The Coeur d’Alene School District has adopted several programs, (Peaceworks, Steps to Respect, Mediation, Talking About Touching) which are presented to students by the school counselor.

At Winton, we have adopted the Bully Proofing Your School curriculum. The counselor works in the classroom teaching children how to set boundaries and stand up for themselves. Students are taught to: 1. Say “please, STOP” when someone is doing something they don’t like; 2. Walk away; 3. Get help from an adult when the person doesn’t stop; 4. Let it go – don’t hold a grudge or try to get even with the other person. Staff members have been trained to use this program.

The counselor also teaches the Talking About Touching program. This includes a wide array of personal safety lessons. Some of the topics: stranger approach, opening the door, 911, not playing with matches, babysitter safety, abuse, neglect, internet safety, inappropriate touching. Children are also taught how to say “no,” get away and to tell an adult. The steps are similar to the steps we teach in the bully proofing program. Parent permission is required for this program and parents are welcome to review the curriculum before presentation.

Twice each year twelve 4th and 5th grade students are trained to be peer mediators. The students monitor noon recess on the playground. They assist students in conflict with solving their conflicts. The counselor acts as a trainer and advisor for this group of students.

In addition to classroom prevention programs, group counseling, individual counseling, parent education and parent consultation is offered through the counseling program. Group topics include but are not limited to: children of separation and divorce, anger management, friendship, social skills, kids with parents in jail, kids living with grandparents, etc… All students are eligible to receive services. If ongoing counseling is needed, parent permission is requested. Parent permission is required for children participating in group.

Children are referred to the counselor in several ways. The most common referral comes from the classroom teacher. Quite frequently children self refer. Parents also call and take advantage of the ongoing counseling the school is able to provide.

Counselor's Corner