Summit Hall Elementary School -Montgomery County Public Schools

Counseling and Psychological Services

Click on a name to send email to that counselor.

Kids First Alliance Coach and School Psychologist - Michelle Palmer
Guidance Counselor - Hiranya Parakrama

My name is Hiranya Parakrama, and I am the new counselor at Summit Hall Elementary School. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about the role of a school counselor. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from Lafayette College and my Masters in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. I am originally from Sri Lanka. I moved to the US at the age of eight, and have lived in Washington DC ever since. I am very excited to start the 2006/2007 school year and meet all the wonderful students, staff and families of Summit Hall.

I will be visiting all the classrooms in September to introduce myself and to inform the students as to what I do and when they can come see me. I will be present at Back to School Night to meet the parents. I look forward to meeting all of you, so please stop by and say hello. If you are unable to come to back to school night, or for whatever reason need to contact me, I can be reached at (301) 840-7127 or you can email me at Hiranya_Parakrama@mcpsmd.org. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The Counseling Program

Summit Hall ES has a comprehensive school counseling program. The counseling program addresses the five areas of social, emotional, academic, health, and career development of each student. I plan on collaborating and working with the all of the Summit Hall community to make sure that needs of each student are met.

Services Provided

As the Counselor, I have the privileged to work with every single student in the school. I plan on working with students at the classroom level, small group level, as well as at the short-term individual counseling level.

Classroom Guidance Lessons

These lessons will be presented every month in each classroom for students in grades K-5. Lessons will teach developmentally appropriate, preventative lessons to all children on topics such as: social skills, self-esteem, feelings, diversity, anger, the management of stress and the connection between school and the world of work.

The six pillars of character from the Character Counts Program is also a vital part of the framework for the counseling program. It will help students focus on virtues needed to treat themselves, others, and their world with respect. There are 6 pillars of Character that we practice: Respect, Citizenship, Caring, Fairness, Responsibility and Trustworthiness. Each month we focus on a different pillar.

Group Counseling

Group counseling is provided for small groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These may include making and keeping friends, anger management, coping with separation/divorce and or loss, getting organized/study skills and/or improving self-esteem. The groups generally range from 4 to 6 students and last for 6 to 8 sessions. The students for groups can be recommended by parents/guardians or by staff members.Permission slips must be signed by parents for students to participate in groups. At the end of the group parents will receive a letter summarizing the topics discussed.

Individual Counseling

One-on-one counseling support is available to all students in grades pre K to 5. This support is intended to address specific emotional, behavioral or social concerns that a particular child may have. Students may self-refer or be referred to the counselors by teachers and/or parents. Confidentiality is respected.

Consultations

I am available to have meetings with teachers, administrators and/or parents to discuss the needs of individual students.

I am here for all students and want to ensure that your child has a productive and positive school year. If I can support your child in anyway, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at (301) 840-7127 or Hiranya_Parakrama@mcpsmd.org.

To learn more information about Counseling Information go to:

- American Counseling Association –

http://www.counseling.org

- American School Counselor Association- http://www.schoolcounselor.org

Techniques Used

De-Bug

1. Decide to Ignore

2. Exit- walk away

3. Be Friendly- Use friendly words.

* Use I messages....

"I feel ______ when you________.

I would like you to ____________."