• Welcome to the Wedgwood Counselors' Corner!

    School Counselor
    School counselors have Master's Degrees and are professionally trained in the three domains of school counseling: academic success, career readiness, and social/emotional development. Click here for the American School Counselor Association description of the elementary school counselor.
     
    Mission Statement
    The mission of the WTPS's Elementary Counseling Department is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses positive character traits, as well as social, organizational and problme solving skills. The school counselor will work in partnership with administration, other educators, parnets/guardians, and the community to help students meet their academic potential. 
     
    Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)
    Click here for the Association of the Student Assistance Professionals of New Jersey role
    According to a very strict Federal Regulation (42 CFR), the Student Assistance Counselor cannot disclose to anyone any information that a student discusses with them, without the permission of the student. There are only two exceptions to this law. The first is in instances where the student expresses the desire to hurt himself/herself or another person. The second exception involves situations of abuse. In both cases the SAC is obligated to inform school or legal personnel.

    However, there are a few exceptions to this law.  If a student tells the SAC that he/she wishes to hurt him/herself or anyone else, actions must be taken to prevent this from happening.  Also, if a student discloses that abuse is happening to him/her, the SAC counselor has the obligation to report the abuse.

    With this confidentiality law, students feel more comfortable disclosing information to their counselors.  In most cases holding information in and letting it build can have a detrimental effect.  The SAC gives the students the opportunity to vent in a safe place where they know the information will not leave the office.

    All About Our Staff!
Mrs. Kristi White, School Counselor

Phone: 856-227-8110 Ext. 3604

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Kristi White, School Counselor

Dear Wedgewood Families,                                                                                                       

Welcome to a new school year at Wedgwood Elementary! As we begin the 2016-2017 school year, I would like to offer my services to your family as the Wedgwood School Counselor. As the school counselor, I will be teaching lessons in the classroom and providing small group or individual counseling.

The focus of the elementary guidance program is to aid in the successful development of the whole child. Along with good academics, children must also develop good social skills that will enhance their learning. This means developing skills that will allow them to get along with other children, make good choices, control anger, accept responsibility and be aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

Our program is based on the premise that certain needs and concerns are common to everyone. It is entirely possible that your child may be seen by the counselor in a small group or individually at some point during the school year. These contacts with the counselor are efforts to assist children to grow and develop. If your child meets with the counselor, please do not be alarmed, as the elementary program is geared toward a positive approach of contact. If a problem does exist, then you will be contacted by the school.

Throughout the year, we will be celebrating examples of positive character traits. September is Kindness Month. We also look forward to unveiling a positive school culture program this fall that will promote positive peer to peer and peer to staff relationships.

Please be sure to provide the school with any updated documentation regarding custody or visitation concerns that could impact familial contact with school personnel.

We don’t want your child to fall behind and get discouraged in school. Please review our districts attendance policy. Please ensure that your child attends school daily and arrives on time. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

  • Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
  • Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are sick.
  • Avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments or vacations when school is in session.
  • Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your child is feeling anxious about going to school.
  • Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up.

I look forward to working with you and your children this year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. 
Mrs. Sandy Conlin, SAC

Phone: Extension 3858

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Certification: SAC

Mrs. Sandy Conlin, SAC