Counselor

Welcome to the Maple Elementary Counseling page.

We work to support all Maple students socially and emotionally so they can succeed both in the classroom and in their world. We surround students with positive, encouraging individuals and experiences because students who feel safe and supported are much more likely to succeed.

Feel free to scroll around and check out these resources. And, contact us if we can do anything to help you or your student.

Meet Mrs. Samide

Hi! I am Laura Samide, the counselor at Maple Elementary. I am pleased to share with you the many wonderful programs available to our students.

As your school counselor, I am dedicated to ensuring that your child has every opportunity to succeed in a safe, nurturing environment. Our goal is that your child will be enriched intellectually, emotionally, and socially so that they will become productive citizens and life-long learners. We understand that every child is unique, which is why we offer a variety of services to meet every child's needs. I serve our entire student body by presenting guidance lessons in every classroom on a regular basis. Throughout the year, I present lessons on many different topics, such as friendship skills, study skills, bullying, healthy choices, and problem-solving, to name just a few. In addition, the counseling department offers many programs and resources to meet the needs of all our parents and students.

I am here to serve you.

Resources

Mrs. Samide's Virtual Calming Room

Group & Individual Counseling

We are happy to offer individual counseling to students who are experiencing emotional difficulties that interfere with their learning. Students meet with a counselor once a week for 20 minutes. Typically, a child will have no more than 6-8 sessions. If more intensive work is needed, we will make a referral to an outside counselor.

Because trust is so important in counseling relationships, I make every effort to keep confidential all information that is shared with me by a child and by his/her parents. There are limits to confidentiality, such as when a child tells me about abuse or another dangerous situation or when I am compelled by a court of law. I will always work with you and your child to make sure our communication is as private as possible.

We also offer sharing groups to struggling children because we believe children can create their own solutions and that healing occurs when children experience understanding and support from their peers. These are groups that typically meet once a week during lunch or recess. Through a series of games and other carefully researched activities, children share their feelings and experiences with one another. They are also taught skills that enable them to cope with difficulties. Students will be expected to respect the confidential nature of our discussions when they return to their classes. Students can only participate with parent permission. The following groups are offered at various times during each school year. Feel free to contact me if you feel your child could benefit from any of these groups.

Family Dynamics (grades 1-4) - This group is for children who are living in single parent or blended families
Creative Problem Solving (grades 1-4) - This group is for children who need help asserting themselves-letting others know they have a problem in socially acceptable and effective ways.
Forever Friends (grades 1- 4) - This group is for children who need assistance in making and interacting with friends.
Seasons (all grades) - This group focuses on loss of a close family member and how to cope over time.
School Smarts (grades 3 & 4) - Study skills such as organization, time awareness and test taking will be covered.
In Control (grades 1-4) - This group is for children with ADHD/ADD and others who need help with self-control
Worry Free - This group is for children who struggle with excessive worry or anxiety
The Chosen Ones (all grades) - Adoption is a unique experience in the life of a child, and it often helps to know that others share that experience.
Sibshops - A support group for students who have a sibling with special needs.
Lemonade Stand - A support group for students who have an incarcerated parent.

Parent Resources

Parent/Caregiver Library

Our library consists of a variety of books on many topics. The purpose of this lending library is to make up-to-date parenting information available to interested persons. Any parent may have access to these materials. They are also intended for teachers, and others who care for children. The materials are located in the Counselor’s Office. Interested patrons may check materials out any time the elementary counselor is available. Materials are generally checked out for up to two weeks at a time. They may be obtained in a variety of ways. A student could bring a note from home requesting a specific book. A patron could call, or visit the school to select materials of interest. Those who borrow materials are asked to sign a checkout slip indicating their name, phone number, and the name of their child (if applicable).

If you are interested in checking out one of the items available in our library, please contact me or your child's teacher to pick up a brochure.

Useful Links

General Interest:

For the Differently Abled and their families:

http://www.ucando.org/

Regarding ADHD:

Grief and Loss:

Bullying:

http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/

Project Peace

Project Peace is a program which allows specially chosen and trained students (peer mediators) to help other students find positive ways to solve disagreements. I have seen this program have a powerful effect on children’s problem solving abilities.

We train new peer mediators each spring. These are 3rd graders who are selected through a rigorous process. Peer mediators must be good listeners, team oriented, dependable, and trustworthy. Peer mediators must be trusted to keep information confidential. Peer mediators act as facilitators in helping disputants resolve minor disputes.

Students can refer themselves to Project Peace or it can be offered by their teacher or parent. Project Peace is always voluntary and is considered by our staff to be a positive alternative for resolving conflicts. A certified staff member is always present during peer mediations. This program is designed to build understanding between disputants and to teach essential problem-solving skills.

Diversity Club

Diversity is about accepting and respecting the differences between people. In the counseling office, we feel that all people should understand that people often are different from what you might expect, and it is good to treat them how they like to be treated. We should never make people feel inferior or ridicule them because they are different from us.

The diversity club is a group of students devoted to celebrating diversity. This group is working to help kids understand that everyone wants and deserves to be respected. Students in this club promote diversity by helping with guidance lessons, bulletin boards and research projects, designed to educate everyone about different cultures.

Maple Counselor

Laura Samide
(317) 662-0745

Office Hours
8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Our Vision

The Avon Elementary School Counseling Program seeks to maximize the holistic development of students in an atmosphere that recognizes and nurtures the uniqueness of the individual.

Thus, the Avon Elementary School Counselors shall assume shared responsibility for the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. School Counselors provide a safe, nonjudgmental place for students to express feelings. Comprehensive guidance programs enhance students’ intrapersonal and interpersonal worth. School Counselors encourage students to become independent thinkers, goal-setters, life-long learners and effective citizens. We strive to collaborate with parents and teachers to meet all children’s needs.

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