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Swift School

Counseling Services

The purpose of the school counseling department is to cultivate a school environment where every learner, from kindergarten through 8th grade, is empowered to recognize their unique strengths, develop effective self-advocacy skills, and build the social-emotional resilience necessary to thrive academically, personally, and socially. This can be accomplished best when faculty, parents, and the school counselors work closely together as a support team for the student. 

 

Skills and Strategies

As school counselors uniquely trained in Orton-Gillingham methods, we integrate a multisensory approach into our social-emotional classroom instruction. This approach is comprehensive and preventative, ensuring students develop the skills and self-awareness necessary to maximize their potential based on their unique strengths.

The school counselors further support all students in understanding and managing their emotions, building self-awareness, and developing internal tools they need to overcome challenges & setbacks. The aim is to empower learners with the skills they need to thrive, not just academically, but also in becoming well-adjusted individuals. Through engaging activities, discussions, self-reflection, and journaling, students will explore lessons that target executive functioning and growth mindset skills.

Lunch Connection groups are offered throughout the school year to help students strengthen peer relationships, manage stress and anxiety, and build self-advocacy skills.  We directly support our students' well-being in one on one or small groups by providing instruction in emotional regulation and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. This intentional focus allows us to empower every student to excel academically and build successful relationships with others. 

 

School-wide theme weeks

The school counselors plans school-wide events and theme weeks throughout the year: 

  • During National Red Ribbon Week, we celebrate with assemblies and dedicated SEL lessons that emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy and safe bodies. 
  • Kindness Week: This annual event reinforces the importance of kindness, empathy, and positive friendship skills. To support a proactive anti-bullying stance, the counselors conduct interactive lessons that equip students with specific strategies for showing respect, recognizing unkind behavior, and advocating for themselves and their peers.