Mrs. Naomi Cates

Our school counseling program helps students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills along with positive character traits. I believe that ALL students can learn and achieve academic success when encouraged and nurtured in a positive environment, and when their basic needs are met. This is my 19^th year in education and my 8^th here at Westside. I go into the classrooms on a regular basis to do lessons with our students in conjunction with one on one counseling as well.

What do elementary school counselors do?

--Teach classroom counseling lessons.
--Provide immediate and short-term individual counseling.
--Work collaboratively with teacher and staff.
--Consult with parents.
--Provide hygiene and holiday assistance.
--Provide information and/or referrals for community resources to families.

School Counseling Core Curriculum lessons

School counseling core curriculum lessons allow the school counselor to work with a large group of students.  School counseling core curriculum lessons can include whole group instruction, discussion, working in groups, art activities, and role-playing.  Topics covered in school counseling core curriculum lessons include:  character education, bullying prevention, social skills, career development, conflict resolution, self-control, and abuse.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is available for all students.  Students can be referred by themselves, teachers, or parents.  During individual counseling, students are empowered to create their own goals and to build on their strengths in order to make positive changes.  Topics covered during individual counseling will vary based on the student's needs, but can include:  anger management, conflict resolution, improving academic skills, coping with death, dealing with crisis situations.

Resources for Parents

Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)--1-800-715--4225
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline--1-800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline--1-800-799-7233
National Alliance on Mental Illness Hotline--1-800-950-6264