Students may refer themselves for individual counseling, or be referred by their parents, teachers, or other staff members .  Students are seen on a regular basis or as little as once or twice, depending on the student's needs.   

Group Counseling  

Small groups are initiated to help children feel supported and to develop skills.  They usually meet in groups of three--ten students, weekly or once every two weeks for half an hour.    Examples include social skills* and friendship groups to help children develop specific skills, build relationships and establish a sense of belonging; family change groups to help children feel supported, and to develop coping skills after divorce or remarriage; loss groups to help children cope with the death of a loved one; self-esteem groups to help children develop the courage to be imperfect and to master assertiveness skills; worry groups in which children learn techniques to help calm themselves; peer helper and leadership groups to help children build Developmental Assets, gain confidence and communication skills, and experience the value of serving others.  Peer Pals Groups and Reading Mentors are examples of peer helper groups facilitated by the counselor from time to time.  Also, the counselor meets with new students to help them make connections with others and become acclimated to Riverdale Heights.

*Superflex Academy, is one type of social group offered here. We are in our second year here at Riverdale Heights.

Parent Contact

The counselor collaborates with parents to  address the needs of students.  A parent may contact the counselor by telephone or by email to schedule a time to discuss his or her child, or inquire about counseling services.  The counselor also has presented parent seminars at Riverdale Heights during the school year, and  communicates with parents through letters, newsletters or enews.                       

Iowa Assessments/CoGAT Testing Coordination:

The counselor coordinates the Iowa Assessments and  the Cognitive Abilities Tests.   First--Sixth Grade students take Iowa Assessments in early October. Third and fifth graders take Cognitive Abilities Tests during the first full week  of February.   Click for test taking tips.

Classroom Guidance 

The counselor facilitates ten lessons in each classroom during the school year to help students develop academic, career, and personal/social skills .  Counselor Classroom Visits include activities centered around monthly themes.

     Aug.-- Sept.: Counselor's  Role/Community Building 

     September:  Friendship  

Conflict Manager Program

All students in grades four--six are given the opportunity to nominate themselves for Conflict Manager.  After a student and staff election and newly elected conflict managers are trained to help disputing students resolve conflicts on the playground during recess.  On-going training takes place during lunchtime meetings. 

Relax Groups

These groups are designed to help children stay focused, handle frustration, and calm themselves. Students meet in groups once a week from 8:25 --8:35 a.m.  on Days 1--5.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddies Program

Lunch Buddies, a Big Brothers Big Sisters school based mentoring program, is in its' fourth year at Riverdale Heights.  Community volunteers are trained by Big Brothers Big Sisters to mentor kindergarten--sixth grade children.  After being paired with a student they visit weekly to eat lunch and spend recess with their younger buddy.

Team Friendship  (currently not meeting)

Team Friendship is a group of third graders who have as their mission to welcome other students who would like to have more friends.  We would like to see everyone have fun at recess.  Mrs. Skjei and Mrs. Miller are the adult helpers.  

Human Growth and Development Facilitator 

The counselor, nurse, and gym teacher deliver the  fourth--sixth grade Human Growth and Development Curriculum.  Fourth graders participate in one session on development and hygiene.  The counselor and nurse teach the girls' lesson, while the wellness teacher teaches the boys' lesson. Fifth grade girls participate in three sessions facilitated by the nurse and counselor.  Fifth grade boys lessons are led by the gym teacher.  The fifth grade curriculum includes information on human development, nutrition, exercise, attitude, cleanliness, and HIV/AIDS.  Six graders, taught by the gym teacher, nurse and counselor. Topics include human development, sensitivity toward others, self-esteem, peer pressure, decision making, and HIV/AIDS.