As we begin a new school year, I am excited about the many programs and services offered through Twin Hickory's Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program.  I will be working with students, parents, faculty, staff and community members in many ways through a variety of services.  Each service is aimed at helping all children learn and develop to their highest potential.

  As a school counselor, I help children work through normal developmental issues.  I teach them skills that will help them throughout life.  It is important for you to know that elementary guidance and counseling services are available to all students.  The various programs and services will be summarized for you below.
 

    Group counseling is available to students throughout the year.  Quite often it is comforting for a student to work with peers in a small group setting to discuss similar concerns or brush-up on various skills.  Group members are selected by parental, teacher, or self referral.  Parental permission is mandatory prior to a student participating in a group.

Study Skills (4-5)
Anger Management (K-5)
Changing Families (K-5)
Grief and Loss (K-5)
Friendship Skills (K-5)

    The first groups will begin in October. Other groups will begin throughout the year. A letter will be sent home in September further explaining each group. If you would like your child to participate in any of the groups listed, please call the school at 360-4700 so that we may send you a permission form.

    Individual Counseling is available to students at the request of parents, teacher, or students.  Parental permission is necessary before working with a student through a structured series of counseling sessions.

    I will be visiting the classrooms each month to conduct whole class lessons.  The classroom component addresses developmental issues common to elementary students.  Guidance lessons are developed based on the Henrico County Guidance Essentials of the Curriculum Cards sent home at the beginning of the school year.  Topics are decided on in collaboration with the classroom teacher prior to the lessons.

     I am available for consultation with parents and/or teachers to discuss issues which might be impacting a students academic, emotional or social success and to plan strategies for successful learning.

  New Student Receptions are held for new students to welcome them to their new school, introduce them to the faculty and staff, and aid in their successful transition to the new school environment.  In addition, we have coordinated the "Moving Onto Middle School" process for 5th grades.

    Ms. Helquist serves as Coordinator of Twin Hickory's standardized Testing Program.  She will work closely with the resource teacher and classroom teachers in preparation for annual state and district mandated tests.  She is available to meet with parents to discuss test preparation or content and is available to assist parents in test data interpretation.

  Career Day is another component of the guidance program.  It is held annually in the spring.  Parent volunteers and community resources visit classrooms to assist students in exploring the world of work.  We look forward to having you join us this year to speak to your child's class.

    Ms. Helquist is a member of the Gifted Identification Team and helps coordinate services in our building.  If you have questions about services offered through this program please contact her. She also serves as a member of the Child Study and Eligibility Team at Twin Hickory Elementary School.

Parent Workshops are held throughout the year for Twin Hickory Parents to address topics of interest. Please check out the monthly newsletter and visit the Parent Resource Area in the Guidance Conference Room.  New and gently used books and materials are always welcome for the Parent Resource Area.

    Counseling techniques and materials include active listening; role-play; hands-on activities; children's literature; cooperative learning groups; group discussions; games relevant to counseling topics; puppetry; art media (drawing, clay, painting, etc...); and direct instruction related to skill building.

Please remember that I am here to help your child have the best school year possible and to help you and your child's teacher make that happen.  I look forward to getting to know each of you and your children throughout the year. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call anytime at 360-4700.

Ms. Helquist

School Counselor~Twin Hickory Elementary School