The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake K-12 School Counseling program is designed to enhance the academic, career, and social-emotional development of students.
The program’s mission is to provide all students with comprehensive and developmentally appropriate activities, services, and counseling to maximize student success. School counselors, directly and indirectly, help students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions, apply interpersonal skills, and explore career pathways. This includes building wide programs, classroom lessons, small group and individual counseling, as well as consultation and crisis counseling as needed.
School counselors help set students on a path for post-secondary success including higher education, vocational training, military, and/or the workforce.
Who are BH-BL’s counselors?
- Charlton Heights Elementary School: Jenna Haskel | jhaskel@bhbl.org | 518-399-9141, Ext. 85134
- Pashley Elementary School: Stephanie Macherone | smacherone@bhbl.org | 518-399-9141, Ext. 84047
- Stevens Elementary School: Heather Strom | hstrom@bhbl.org | 518-399-9141, Ext. 83616
What is the role of an elementary school counselor?
The work of elementary school counselors focuses on building baseline social skills like self awareness, social awareness, and self management. Classroom presentations and small group activities cover topics such as career awareness, problem solving strategies, and academic skill building. Elementary school counselors provide a curriculum that supports the learning environment and has a positive impact on student success.
Core Responsibilities
- Social-Emotional Learning: Counselors teach students essential skills like emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and effective communication, helping them build positive peer relationships. Use of the Second Step Program at all grade levels.
- Academic Guidance: They provide support with study skills, organizational strategies, and goal setting to promote academic success and a positive attitude toward learning.
- Personal Development: Counselors help students understand their strengths, interests, and values, laying the foundation for future career exploration and decision-making.
- Crisis Intervention: They offer immediate support to students facing difficult situations, such as bullying, family issues, or other traumatic events, ensuring their safety and comfort.
Key Activities
- Classroom Guidance: Delivering structured lessons to all students on various topics, including social-emotional competencies.
- Individual and Group Counseling: Meeting with students one-on-one or in small groups to address specific challenges and develop coping strategies.
- Collaboration and Consultation: Working closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student needs and develop comprehensive plans.
- Referrals: Connecting students and their families with appropriate community resources or external agencies for additional support.
- Transition Support: Assisting students and their families with the challenges of moving to new grades or schools.
Social Emotional Learning
BH-BL’s elementary schools use the Second Step curriculum as the foundation for their social-emotional learning program in Grades K–5.
Classroom teachers lead the core lessons, while school counselors provide booster lessons to reinforce key skills and concepts. We also enrich the curriculum with engaging activities, books, and videos to deepen students’ learning.
Elementary School Social Work Program
BH-BL’s elementary school social work program provides a higher level of support to students who may require mental health services.
School social workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators, and provide individual and group counseling/therapy. Specifically, they offer crisis counseling, mandated counseling as outlined in a student’s individualized education program (IEP), and outside resource recommendations.
The school social workers provide a safe and confidential place for students to receive support for emotional issues that are impeding their academic achievement and also support communication between home, school, and community-based resources.
Who are BH-BL’s social workers?
- Charlton Heights Elementary School: Ashley Crosby | acrosby@bhbl.org | 518-399-9141, Ext. 85500
- Pashley Elementary School: Michele Frasca | mfrasca@bhbl.org | 518-399-9141, Ext. 84500
- Stevens Elementary School: Stephanie Capone | scapone@bhbl.org | 518-399-9141, Ext. 83500
Did you know?
BH-BL’S counselors and social workers also run the food backpack program and holiday assistance programs. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to our staff for referrals and support.