Mrs. Petersen's Schedule
Monday Emerson
Tuesday (AM) Lost Creek
(PM) North Park
Wednesday Emerson
Thursday Lost Creek
Friday North Park
I serve as the school counselor at Emerson, Lost Creek, and North Park Schools. Some of the services I provide include individual and small group counseling. Some topics I can address include school adjustment, friendship and family issues, social skills, and behavior issues.
I am also available for parent consultation. Feel free to call or email me with concerns or developmental questions you have regarding your child. We can discuss strategies, I can share relevant information, or I can refer you to community resources that are available to help.
Please contact me if I can be of any help to your child or family.
Wendi Petersen, M.A.
What is a school counselor?
Elementary school counselors are professionals with a Master's degree and a strong background in the behavioral sciences and human relations. They specialize in identifying school and personal problems in children, and in addressing areas of personal growth. Counselors are available to assist students in the development of lifelong skills necessary for optimum character development, coping with life's difficulties, and building cohesive relationships. A school counselor is an advocate for children whose primary goal is to help students have a successful school experience.
What do they do?
School counselors help children with school adjustment, friendship troubles, behavioral concerns, anger control, social skills, attention difficulties, anxiety and fears, grief and loss, family issues and changes, decision-making, problem solving, developmental concerns. Counselors also consult with parents about concerns they have about their child. Counselors can discuss strategies, share relevant information, or refer families to community resources available to help.
When do they meet with students?
School counselors meet with students during the school day. The counselor and child's teacher schedule a time of day when they don't miss direct instruction in the classroom. Counselors develop individual plans for each student who is referred for counseling. They decide if the child needs a weekly appointment and how many sessions are necessary. Depending on the concerns that need addressed, some children meet with the counselor individually and others are part of a group. Some children do a combination of both.
When should my child see the counselor?
These signs may indicate a need for assistance from the counselor:
marked change in school performance
excessive worry or anxiety
inattention, fidgeting, constant motion
lack of enthusiasm/interest in activities
persistent fears or nightmares
frequent temper tantrums or outbursts of anger
increase in disobedience
violence or aggression toward others
inability to cope with daily problems or activities
noticeable changes in sleeping or eating habits
many complaints about physical symptoms or illness
obsession about body weight or appearance
prolonged negative mood or sadness
If you see any of these characteristics in your child, I would be glad to help. We can talk about strategies to try as well as services available that may put your child back on track. My job is to help children feel success and have a positive school experience. Don't hesitate to call or email me and I will do what I can to help.
Email wendi.petersen@cps-ne.org
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