Paula McKnight, Ed.S.
Professional School Counselor

Martinez Elementary School
213 Flowing Wells Road
Martinez, GA 30907
Voicemail (706) 868-3709 ext. 1820

Guidance and Counseling Activities

Classroom Guidance:

Classroom guidance begins each year with an introductory lesson. This lesson introduces the counselor to the students and helps them understand how the counslor can help them to have a good day at school. Throughout the school year, each grade level is presented 4 units which includes a total of 13 lessons. These lessons are colabortively developed by the counselor, teachers, and parents. All parents have input by completing the annual needs assessment sent home at Open House. Kindergarten, first and second grade lessons are 30 minutes long, while third, fourth, and fifth grades have lessons that are 45 minutes in length. Lessons are designed around three broad areas: Academic Development, Career Development and Personal/Social Development. Students learn through bibliotherapy, technology, art, puppetry, games and interactive discussion.

Individual Counseling:

The school counselor is available to meet individually with students in circumstances when a student's educational success is being impacted. Students may be referred to the school counselor by parents, teachers, or other school staff. A student may also self-refer to see the school counselor. The role of the elementary school counselor is to assist students in developing confident problem-solving techniques. Through the use of encouragement and self-exploration, students work towards conflict resolution. Counselors spend time working with individual students to improve their social skills, discuss feelings, and to empower problem solving methods. The elementary school counseling program is meant to assist ALL children. While a school counselor cannot provide on-going counseling, short-term alternatives for students to receive individual counseling may be appropriate.

Small Group Counseling:

Small group counseling is provided for groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These sessions 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 2 to 4 students and last for 4 to 6 sessions. The students for groups can be recommended by parents/guardians or by staff members.

Parent and Staff Consultations:

The school counselor often serves as a consultant for parents/guardians, as well as school staff members. Counselors have access to a variety of resources for parents and staff members to use when working with students. Consultation with the elementary school counselor is provided for parents to learn about their child’s progress in school and/or assist in areas that may be a concern. Together with parents, counselors are partners with the common goal of success for all children. Parents are the experts on their children, and can give valuable insight to ensure their child's academic success.