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Overview

 Welcome to the McDowell Early Learning School Counselor Page!

I am extremely honored and proud to be your school counselor.  I am a Hudson resident and also a mother of three boys, Alex, Sam, and Oliver.  There is something very special about serving your own community and I am very eager to collaborate with you to meet your child's social-emotional needs.  

Advocating for kids and empowering them with essential life skills is truly a passion of mine and is deep in my core.  One of my favorite authors and researchers, Brene Brown, says, “What you know matters, but who you are matters more.” This drives me to develop a strong guidance program to prepare kids to become the best versions of themselves.  

Please feel free to call or e-mail me at anytime or meet with me in person by appointment. 

 What are school counselors?

School counselors help promote the academic, personal, social, and emotional development of the students. The primary focus of the elementary school counselor is prevention. I work with ALL students to help them develop basic life skills and help them have a successful school year.

 Classroom Guidance Lessons

The District Behavior RTI team and the K-5 district guidance team has identified self-regulation and social skills as key components of the elementary school counseling program.  Classroom guidance lessons will include lessons from Zones of Regulation, Social Thinking, and Seven Habits of Happy Kids.  I will visit each classroom twice a month.  One lesson will be from the Zones or Social Thinking Curriculum and one will be on the habit of the month from the Seven Habits of Happy Kids.  Please refer to the monthly School Counselor Connection Newsletters for more information about each classroom guidance lesson.

Small Group Counseling

Small groups provide a wonderful way for students to meet new friends and develop positive coping skills in a safe and fun environment. Groups are offered on a needs basis and meet weekly for about 4-10 thirty minute sessions.  Types of groups offered thoughout the year include social skills, changing families, anxiety, self-esteem, growth mindset, and grief.  Parent permission is obtained prior to students attending small group counseling groups.  

 Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is a one-on-one meeting with a student to discuss a problem, concern, or issue in a confidential setting. Individual counseling sessions are short-term and each session may last between 5-30 minutes. The focus is on the development of skill, coping and strategy building. Psychotherapy is not a service school counselors are able to provide. Please feel free to contact me if you would like a list of outside counseling centers.

 Confidentiality

Confidentiality is vital to the success of any counseling relationship!  It is important that students feel comfortable and safe about sharing their thoughts and feelings.  Confidentiality is maintained with students unless their safety is threatened or they have given permission to share information with another adult.  

SAFE School Hotline:  1-800-418-6423 ext. 397

 

Angie Butto
Angie Butto
School Counselor
Phone: 330-653-1229