Facts about Ms.Kelsey
How is a school counselor’s job different from a teacher’s job?
Teachers focus on teaching subjects, while counselors help with feelings, friendships, and problem-solving.
What are some friendship challenges that might be a good reason to see the counselor?
Arguments, excluding others, big feelings at school, or trouble making new friends.
Where is Ms. Kelsey's office?
It is in the Lower School Office, across from the historic doors.
You are worried about starting a new after-school activity and don’t know anyone there. Would it make sense to talk to the counselor? Why or why not?
Yes—the counselor can help with worries and building confidence in new situations.
What school did Ms. Kelsey go to to become a school counselor?
The University of Utah!
Why is it important that every student—not just some—knows who the counselor is?
So everyone feels safe and knows who to go to for help.
Why might a counselor choose to meet with a group of students instead of one-on-one?
So students can practice skills together, see they aren’t alone, and support each other.
Will Ms. Kelsey tell your friends what you talked about in the office?
No.
You are getting bored in math class and don't want to sit through another lesson. Would it make sense to talk to the school counselor?
Probably not - visiting the school counselor is not an excuse to avoid your work.
What other jobs has Ms. Kelsey had?
Summer camp counselor
Afterschool teacher
Kindergarten teacher
2nd grade teacher
Besides students, who else does the counselor sometimes work with to help kids?
Teachers, parents, and other school staff.
How might the counselor help you if you notice someone being excluded at recess?
By teaching how to include others, be an upstander, and handle it respectfully.
True or False?
Teachers or parents may ask the school counselor to start meeting with you?
True!
Two friends are fighting and asking you to “take sides.” How could the counselor help?
By teaching conflict resolution skills and helping you handle peer pressure.
What are some things Ms. Kelsey likes to do in her spare time?
Get outside with friends
Yoga
Reading
Baking sourdough bread
Cross Country Skiing
Why does the counselor teach lessons to whole classes, even if no one seems to be having a problem?
Answer: To build skills early and prevent bigger problems later.
Someone in your class keeps teasing you, and it makes you feel uncomfortable. How might the counselor help?
Your school counselor is always a safe person to share these problems with! The counselor could help you learn ways to respond safely, practice assertive communication, and come up with a plan to get support from adults if needed.
If you need to visit the school counselor, what do you do?
Talk to your teacher (they must know where you are!)
Parent can email Ms. Kelsey
Come by Ms. Kelsey's office
Schedule a time with Ms. Brooke
You’re excited because you finally mastered a hard math skill and want to share the good news. Could you tell the counselor?
Yes—counselors like to celebrate successes too, not just challenges.
How many books did Ms. Kelsey read last year?
40!
What three areas does the counselor focus on, and how are they all connected?
Academic success, social/emotional growth, and friendships/relationships—because how you feel affects how you learn and connect with others.
You’re feeling frustrated because a class activity is hard and you want to give up. How could the counselor help you?
The counselor could teach strategies for staying calm, breaking the task into smaller steps, and practicing perseverance.
When does Ms. Kelsey have to tell another adult about something you shared?
If someone is hurting you, if you are hurting yourself, or if you are hurting someone else.
You’ve been feeling really sad at home and it’s hard to focus in class. How might the counselor help?
By giving you a safe space to share, being a listening ear, and teaching coping strategies.