Starsha Frederickson

Hello Families!

I am so excited to begin my 5th year as the school counselor at Smith Elementary! While every school year brings new faces, changes, and challenges, one thing remains the same: Smith Elementary is a place where everyone is welcome and everyone has a place to grow, learn, and belong. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this wonderful school community and to support your child throughout their elementary school journey.

As the school counselor, I wear many hats throughout the school year! I work with students individually and in small groups, teach social-emotional learning lessons in classrooms, support students with friendships and problem-solving, and help students navigate the many feelings and challenges that come with growing up. I also work closely with teachers, families, and our school team to help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Please know that I am always happy to help. If there is something happening in your child’s life—big or small—that you think may be affecting their school experience, please reach out. We are a team, and I am here to support you and your child.

I am looking forward to another wonderful year at Smith and can’t wait to see all the ways our students will grow and learn!

COUNSELOR SUPPORT

I teach in every classroom once a week, providing lessons on recognizing emotions, emotional regulation, problem-solving, friendship, and other topics that will help your child be successful at school. I also lead small groups to reinforce skills taught in the whole group lessons and provide individual check-ins with students as needed.

Counselors DO:

• Problem-Solve with students
• Find resources when a student has a need at school or home
• Teach coping skills
• Help students stay safe
• Listen and Care

Counselors DON’T:

• Judge
• Punish
• Provide long-term individual counseling

REASONS TO SEE THE COUNSELOR

All students can see the counselor for any reason. Students themselves, families, or teachers may request an initial check-in with the school counselor. If a student joins a small group or receives regular one-on-one check-ins, the counselor will communicate with families.

Here are a few reasons for seeing the school counselor.

• Worried about something (school, family, work)
• Want help making choices or solving a problem
• Having trouble with another kid or adult
• Need help focusing in class
• Confused about something
• Big changes in their life
• Concerned about something overheard at school or home
• Saw somebody getting hurt
• Somebody is hurting student
• Feel like hurting themselves
• Want to help others

CONFIDENTIALITY

Everything a student says in the counseling office is confidential UNLESS:

• Someone is hurting the student
• The student wants to hurt someone else
• The student wants to hurt themselves

“Under Montana law, if any school staff member has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, it remains that individual’s obligation to see that the situation is reported to the Child Abuse Hotline.” – dphhs.mt.gov