School Counselor – Jill Zitt, M.S.Ed.

(623) 772-2490

MISSION STATEMENT: The Pendergast Elementary School District Guidance and Counseling Program is purposefully designed to support the mission of the school district and its goals. The program helps students to understand themselves, to understand their relationships with others, and to acquire the ability to make decisions that contribute to productive, responsible, and culturally enriched lives. It is a cooperative, coordinated, school-wide program involving family, community and staff.

WHY ELEMENTARY COUNSELORS?

Counselors help students learn and apply skills in these areas:

· Making Decisions

· Setting Goals

· Accepting Others

· Identifying Strengths

· Accepting Responsibility

· Managing Stress

· Resolving Conflicts

· Understanding Self

· Cooperating With Others

· Communicating Accurately

· Evaluating Information

How do Counselors Assist Students?

Counselors work with students individually, in small groups, and in classrooms. Small group and individual counseling can take place by students referring themselves, by teacher or administration referral, or parent referral. Parent involvement is encouraged. Parents are invited to contact their child's counselor with any concerns and/or requests for assistance regarding their child. Small group subjects include friendship and social skills, family issues, grief, self-esteem, and anger management. Other groups may take place through out the year as the counselor becomes aware of need. Counselors also present classroom lessons on subjects such as violence prevention; bully prevention; alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse prevention; social skills training, and career education.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (623) 772-2490

Jill Zitt

OUTSIDE RESOURCES: