Fall 2006 Newsletter

Each year interested parents and students make inquiries about the counseling program and if the school counselor can be of assistance with this or that particular situation. In the paragraphs that follow, we attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Please do not hesitate to contact us with additional questions or a specific need.

Why does Lynden Christian have school counselors?

Lynden Christian School is committed to the education, growth and development of each student. With the help of the Christian home and local churches, we believe it is our responsibility to foster a school environment rich in opportunity for social, emotional and spiritual growth and healing. It is the role of the counselors to focus on these areas and to promote a healthy school climate by identifying and providing assistance to students who are struggling in these areas. LC school counselors are committed Christians, hold graduate degrees in counseling and have counseling and teaching experience in Christian education.

Who are our P-8 counselors and how can I contact them?

Mrs. Kim Wiley serves the preschool through 4th grade students. Her office is located in the elementary school at the north end of the 4th grade hallway. Mrs. Tammelyn Boersma works with students in 5th through 8th grade. Her office is located just north of the main office in the middle school building. Contact information and office hours for both counselors are provided below. Voice mail is confidential.

Preschool-Grade 4 Counselor: Mrs. Kim Wiley 354-5492, Ext. 1325; kwiley@lyncs.org (Tuesday 8:00-4:00 p.m. and Thursday 8:30-12:00 p.m.)

Grades 5-8 Counselor: Mrs. Tammelyn Boersma 354-3358, Ext. 1162; tboersma@lyncs.org (Monday/Thursday 8:00-3:15 p.m. and Tuesday 8:15-12:15 p.m.)

What do the school counselors actually do?

Over the course of the year, LC counselors are involved in a number of different activities. Below is a snapshot of some of the things we do or in which we are involved:

** Meet with all new students individually at the beginning of the school year and check in with their parents and teachers as needed throughout the year to monitor their adjustment

**Work with school staff to identify, address, and monitor student needs

**Conference with parents

**Provide classroom guidance regarding social, emotional and spiritual development, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, or friendship skills

**Facilitate a full range of small group opportunities to address social, emotional, and spiritual needs (primarily winter and spring quarters)

**Provide short-term individual, group, or family counseling for LC families

**Help families get connected with community resources and outside professionals as needed

**Engage in casual lunch meetings with small groups of students to establish relationships

**Facilitate Kindergarten Social Skills and Friendship unit

**4th grade Parent Night

**5th grade "Choices" unit

**6th grade Outdoor Education evening programs

**7th grade Human Growth and Development Unit

**Classroom devotions and chapel presentations

**Classroom and playground observation and participation

How does my child become involved?

Referrals for counseling services come from parents, teachers, school staff and students. Students are encouraged to come on their own to make an appointment or to leave a note under the door if the counselor is not available.

When should I call the school counselor and under what circumstances should I expect a call from the counselor?

**When something is happening in your family that may affect your child's school performance.

**If you need support, information, or counseling related resources.

**If you need LC staff (counselors, teachers, etc.) to be watchful of your child for any particular reason and/or you need feedback about your child while they are at school.

**When a student requires coordination of services from multiple professionals (pediatrician, psychologist, academic specialists, etc.). It is often helpful to have one point of contact.

**You should expect a phone call from the counselor if concerns about your child are repeatedly brought to the counselor's attention or if the counselor has contact with your child regarding a concern that requires parental help or involvement.

What is confidentiality and what does it mean?

Confidentiality means that information exchanged in a counseling session is kept private/confidential unless released by parent or student permission. Our school counselors are required to follow ethical and legal guidelines in maintaining confidentiality. For the safety and well being of children, limits to confidentiality include the occasional need to consult with a child's teacher or the school administrator; or the need to report to proper authorities if a student discloses that he or she is being harmed, has harmed, or is planning to do harm to him/herself or someone else.

It is a privilege to work with you and your children! Once again, please do not hesitate to call with questions, specific needs, or suggestions. Blessings to you in this 2006-2007 school year, and a special welcome to all families new to Lynden Christian this year. We are glad you are here!

The P-8 Counseling Staff