Role of the Elementary School Counselor
School counselors differ from mental health counselors. School counselors help all students in the areas of personal/social development, academic achievement, and career development.
Elementary Counselor Stephanie Di Visconti helps students primarily in groups, but also on an individual basis. She also visits classrooms throughout the school year to help students learn about specific topics that will enhance their personal growth.
Yello Dyno Program
The Yello Dyno Program teaches students an awareness and understanding of “Tricky People” and how to keep themselves safe.
Safety Rules
Courtesy of the Yello Dyno box set:
- Tricky people, it doesn’t matter what they look like, their age or how well you know them, it’s what they ask you to do that matters
- Too many details? Who’s telling the truth
- Too many details? Remember the context
- Always ask first
- I always have a buddy
- Take Three steps back and run like the wind
- I know the Yello Dyno Yell
- I trust my feelings
- I can say “NO”
- Cut the conversation
- I don’t keep secrets that make me feel unsafe
- If someone is too charming, there is a problem, even if it does show right away
- PC: Privacy and Control
- I know my body’s mine
- Knowledge is Power
Banana Splits
“Banana Splits” is a peer support group for students who are facing issues of separation or divorce.
When is it?
“Banana Splits” will take place during lunches. Students in each grade level, whose families are separated or divorced, will have the opportunity to participate throughout the school year.
What do we do?
We try to help each other by talking and sharing our feelings. If we don’t have much to talk about, we play games and work on projects that build our confidence and encourage skills such as communication and teamwork. “Banana Splits” encourages children to see that they are not alone, explore how to help themselves feel better, and increase communication at home.
Do many kids join?
In every school building, there are “Banana Splits” members from each class in kindergarten through sixth grade.
How do kids join?
Permission slips will be sent home before the group is scheduled to begin. Simply fill it out and return it to school.
Thoughts Worth Sharing
Hold on to your dreams
Ask questions
Plan to succeed
Proceed with confidence
Invest in the right attitude
Never stop believing
Enjoy the detours
Save time for little things
Share a smile every day
Warren St. Elementary Links
Contact the Elementary School Counselor
Stephanie Di Visconti
Johnstown Elementary Counselor
Phone: (518) 762-3715 ext. 5283
Warren Street: Monday & Tuesday
Pleasant Avenue: Wednesday – Friday