Academic Standards

Counseling Department

ESL

Title I

Media Center

The mission of the West Buncombe Elementary School Counseling Department is to help all students grow academically, emotionally socially, and personally, to their fullest potential during their young, developmental years. This happens by providing a safe and nurturing environment that encourages all students to become lifelong learners and people of good character who are respectful and caring members of the community.

Working together as a school community to create an environment that embraces diversity, cultivates academic excellence, encourages citizenship and nurtures a love of learning. 

The School Counselors at West Buncombe are Leah Davidson and Jessica Telfair . 

We are proud to offer a comprehensive and developmental program. The four main components of our program are: a school-wide PBIS program, classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individual counseling.

Our school-wide activities address character education by infusing it into our curriculum through our Soaring Eagle Program and our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program.  We encourage good citizenship by recognizing students who display positive traits such as responsibility, resourcefulness, respect, kindness, good work habits, and safe behaviors. The goal of our school-wide programs is to be as proactive as possible.

The School Counselors teach lessons that cover a variety of topics for grades K-4 such as character education, friendship, good citizenship, self-esteem, social skills, study skills, anger control, problem solving, decision-making, bully prevention, career awareness, education, and more. The curriculum follows the NC Standard Course of Study Essential Standards that include Social, Emotional, Cognitive and Career Development Strands along with the NC Professional School Counselor Standards.  

The Counselors also work with students in small group settings. These groups focus on a specific topic and include 4-6 students with similar concerns for weekly sessions for a period of 6-8 weeks . Topics include: school success, motivation, anger management, friendship, stress and anxiety, grief, and coping with divorce or separation. Students are usually referred for these groups by a teacher, but parents are welcome to make referrals as well. Confidentiality is carefully maintained so that the rights and privacy of the children and their families is honored.

Our School Counseling program also includes individual counseling. Classroom teachers, parents, and other staff members refer students to the Counselors, or a student can refer him- or her-self. Children often experience problems with friendships, schoolwork, relationships with others, feeling lonely, and other situations that may affect their performance at school (or at home). Students can discuss their problems openly and honestly with the School Counselors who then can offer support and help to attempt to overcome these difficulties and succeed in school. Referrals to other agencies will be made when appropriate. Once again, confidentiality will be carefully maintained. 

The overall goal of West Buncombe's Counseling Program is to help students: achieve academic success, be good citizens, learn to have good relationships, have healthy lifestyles, and experience personal fulfillment. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child's success in school, please feel free to contact us at the school – 232-4282. We welcome your feedback and are here to serve you and your child. We are looking forward to a great school year!

Thank you!
Leah Davidson and Jessica Telfair
School Counselors