Counselor
Counselor – Erica Barry
Welcome to the Lawton Elementary counseling page! My name is Erica Barry, and I am the half-time school counselor at Lawton. I’m so excited to be part of the Lawton community and grateful for another year working with your wonderful children! Please read below for more information about the counseling program, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about your student. I look forward to connecting with you!
Ms. Barry 😊
About the Counseling Program
At Lawton, all students benefit from the counseling program and have opportunities to get involved. Ms. Barry visits classrooms to teach lessons on social-emotional learning and works one-on-one with students to help them with issues like friendships, social skills, impulse control, stress/anxiety, study skills, conflict resolution, and grief/loss.
Teachers and parents can refer students to Ms. Barry, and students can also refer themselves by using the confidential counselor box in the office.
Our Comprehensive School Counseling Program follows the guidelines of the American School Counselor Association National Model. The program includes the following services and activities:
- Whole Classroom Guidance Lessons: These lessons teach students important skills for social-emotional growth, academics, and college/career awareness. Students participate in:
- Academic Lessons: These lessons cover topics like learning styles, classroom behaviors that affect learning, and strategies for success.
- College and Career Lessons: Students explore their future goals, learn about local jobs, discover their strengths and interests, and research different career paths.
- Safety Lessons: Students learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touch, how to report unsafe behaviors, and how to refuse when others engage in unsafe activities. (Curriculum: Second Step: Child Protection Unit, grades K-3)
- Bullying Prevention Lessons: Students understand the difference between mean behavior and bullying, how to stand up for others, and how to handle mean behavior. (Curriculum: Second Step: Bullying Prevention Unit, grades 4-5)
- Small group counseling is available on various topics, such as divorce, anxiety, friendships, and preparing for middle school.
- Brief individual counseling is available for students as needed, through parent/teacher referrals or student self-referrals.
Additional programming/services:
- Push-in small group intervention in the classroom (social skills, regulation skills, executive function skills re-teaching)
- Crisis intervention and support
- Family support and consultation
- Alternative indoor recess for students once weekly- puzzles, games, and art (grades K-3)
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team member
- Peer mediation and conflict resolution
- Annual school-wide career exploration event
- Kelso’s Choice recess and classroom helper program (grades 3-4)
- Community resource referrals
- Staff support and consultation
Emergency Contacts:
If you need of immediate help, use the following resources:
Crisis Line: 206-461-3222
Child Protective/Family Reconciliation Services:
Day: 1-800-609-8764
Night: 1-800-562-5624
Other Types of Assistance Such as Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Healthcare:
Dial: 211 or 206-461-3200