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Introduction

welcome

Hi there! I'm Jessica, AKA Ms. Phillips :) 

me

 

I completed graduate school in May of 2022 and am so excited for year 3 as Waller Mill's School Counselor. My motto is simply, "LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE", as I truly believe that all students possess tremendous qualities that they already know of or have yet to discover. I hope to provide a refreshing and positive atmosphere where all students are heard and valued. Let's make this school year the best one yet!!

What can your School Counselor do for you?

The school counseling program at WMES FAM is aligned with the school's mission to support the Social/Emotional, Academic, and Career needs of all students. These needs are addressed with the following services:

Classroom Counseling- Throughout the school year, classroom lessons will be presented to students on many topics, which may include:

  • Emotional regulation and mindfulness
  • Character education
  • Career exploration
  • Positive peer relationships and conflict resolution
  • Study skills and test-taking strategies
  • Bucket filling

Small Group Counseling/Lunch Bunches - Students may be referred by parents, teachers, or the counselor to participate in small group counseling. Topics are based on the highest needs of students and may include:

  • Friendship and social skills
  • Emotional regulation
  • Resiliency (coping with stressors and/or change)
  • Self-esteem
  • Academic success (study skills and work habits)
  • Military deployment

Individual Check-Ins - School counselors provide individual check-ins with students. Referrals to community resources will be provided for students needing long-term counseling services. Students may speak with the counselor individually through parent referral, teacher referral, or self-referral. A student may talk with the school counselor about:

  • Academic concerns
  • Family changes or concerns
  • Peer relationships and friendship
  • Decision-making

Gifted Program Contact - School Counselors serve as the Gifted Program contact. Please contact me with any questions about the YCSD EXTEND gifted education program and referral process.

Collaboration & Consultation - School Counselors collaborate with school staff, families, and the community to best serve students through email, phone calls, or meetings.

Referrals - School Counselors can help by locating community resources or referrals for long-term counseling if you are in need of assistance.

Family Life Education - School Counselors teach FLE lessons to K-5 students. Students in K-3 receive instruction in February and students in 4-5 receive instruction in June.

Confidentiality - Information students share with the school counselor is confidential. Students' right to privacy is guarded as much as permitted by law, ethics, and school policy. The school counselor is obligated to break confidentiality when there is potential harm to the student or others, concern about neglect or abuse, or a court of law that requires testimony or student records. At times, the counselor and school-based staff (teacher, social worker, principal, etc.) will need to exchange information about a student (i.e. how they are coping in class, strategies to help, etc.). All communication will take place only on a need-to-know basis.

How can I contact the School Counselor?

School Office: 757-220-4060

School Counseling Office: 757-220-4571

Email: jphillips@ycsd.york.va.us

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.