WGES Guidance Program

Our WGES School Counselors are Becce Pierce and Katie Murray 

All students are welcome to talk to a counselor about personal concerns they may have. Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or self-referral.

Small groups are organized to help students meet certain challenges they may be facing. These groups give students an opportunity to share and acquire specific skills in a confidential setting. These groups are comprised of four to six students. They usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks. Some examples of small groups include: social skills, anger management, grief, and changing families.

The school counseling program supports and complements the efforts of the classroom teacher to facilitate your child’s learning.

• Understanding of self and confidence in daily interactions.
• Positive attitudes toward self, family and community.
• Communication skills in relationships with peers, family, neighbors and school staff.
• Motivation for success in school and community activities.
• Decision-making skills involving exploration of alternatives and realization of consequences.
• Career awareness for future planning.
• Emotionally healthy school learning climate.
• Cooperation between home and school.
• Community resource programs for students, family and school personnel.
• Individually and in groups with their concerns, plans, goals and achievements.
• Understand themselves and others to strengthen cooperation and interactions.
• Learn decision-making and interpersonal skills.
• Model and practice positive Life Skills at school, home, and in the community.
• Learn more about their child’s growth and development.
• Encourage a home atmosphere for emotional security and personal growth.
• Participate in parent education to further enhance parent-child relationships.
• To appreciate their child’s abilities, limitations, and progress in school.
• Increase in knowledge and skills by sharing information.
• Understand the students and their behavior.
• Create a positive learning climate and personalized curriculum.
• Coordinate classroom guidance activities for greater understanding of self and others.
• Conduct consultations concerning students’ needs.

Each month, our school counselors will focus on a different character trait with students. Children will learn about monthly traits through their classroom guidance lessons, hallway displays, and even reminders on the morning announcements.

• The word for September is RESPECT.  Students will learn about resolving conflict peacefully and bullying.
• The word for October is RESPONSIBILITY. Students will learn the benefits of staying healthy and drug-free.
• The word for November is PERSEVERANCE. Students will learn important study skills.
• The word for December is CARING. Students will learn about giving from the heart and caring for others.
• The word for January is COURAGE. Students will learn about doing the right thing even when it is difficult.
• The word for February is CITIZENSHIP. Students will learn the importance of being involved in the community.
• The word for March is TRUSTWORTHINESS. Students will learn about being honest and acting with integrity.
• The word for April is COOPERATION. Students will learn about working with others to get something done/Careers.
• The word for May is FAIRNESS. Students will learn about practicing justice, equality, and equality.