WELCOME TO THE COUNSELORS CORNER!!

Hello!! My name is Shameka Whitsett, MS, the school counselor at Kirkman Park Elementary School. This is my 8th year as an elementary school counselor of Guilford County Schools. I am a native of Greensboro, NC. I am a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, with a Bachelors in Psychology (2003) and a Masters in School Counseling (2009). I believe that every student should be advocated for, we just have to know how to advocate for them!  

School Counseling Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Kirkman Park Elementary school counseling program is to help all students learn more effectively by providing a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social development of students. In partnership with faculty and staff members, parents or guardians, and community members, the school counselors facilitate the support system to ensure that all students have access to the skills and resources needed to be successful and reach their potential.

 What is a School Counselor?

School counselors implement comprehensive school counseling programs that address the academic (cognitive), personal/social (socio-emotional) and career development of students. School counselors offer developmental, preventive and remedial  programs and curriculum. 

With the adoption of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model, GCS school counselors are held accountable for offering the following services: 

1. Direct & Indirect Services (individual, small group & classroom guidance) 

2. School Counseling Core Curriculum

3. Individual Student Planning

4. Responsive Services 

How does your child experience school counseling services?

Individual Counseling - I provide a safe and confidential environment for students to discuss many topics regarding their social/emotional needs, career goals as well as academic success. Some topics that we may discuss include: friendship issues, stress, time management, goal-setting, academic planning, bullying, family changes, social skills, organization, career exploration and development of problem solving skills.

Small Group Counseling- A process where students sharing similar issues or concerns work together in a small group environment consisting of about 3-6 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30-45 minutes and are held for approximately 4-6 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management.

Classroom Guidance- I develop and implement K-5 classroom curriculum driven by national and county school counseling outcomes.  I often co-plan and co-teach lessons with other professionals in the building to support social and emotional growth across curricular areas.  Classroom lessons are regularly scheduled and address social/emotional, academic, and career-related needs at the child's developmental level. Look for a letter addressed to you after each and every classroom lesson because I believe that a strong home-school partnership is what's best for kids.

Academic Interventions - I provide many academic interventions to enhance student success. I work individually with students on their time management skills, study skills and organization. I occasionally conduct classroom observations or complete weekly assessments of student's academic progress. I work with teachers to provide supplementary interventions unique to each student's specific needs, in order to ensure that every student will excel to their highest academic potential.