Guidance
The elementary guidance and counseling program is served by our guidance counselor, Mrs. Mandy Dallas, as well as the classroom and special area teachers, the principals, and central office staff including the guidance supervisor, psychologists, nurses, and visiting teachers. Mrs. Dallas provides 30 minutes of classroom guidance activities weekly for students in grades K-3 and every other week for one hour for grades 4 and 5. Small group and individual counseling services are provided for students who are referred by parents, teachers, principal, or students.
All students receive Guidance lessons related to the National Standards of Learning. These standards are divided into three areas of development: Academic, Career, and Personal/Social. The Academic Development SOLs ensure that students will begin to build an understanding of the skills that are needed for learning and making academic progress. The Career Development SOLs enable students to investigate the world of work in order to make informed career decisions later in life, and the Personal/Social Development SOLs allow students to acquire an understanding of people, respect for self and others, and the skills to be a responsible citizen. The following chart outlines the objectives for the primary and upper elementary grade levels:
City of Salem Schools Elementary Guidance Counselors Standards of Learning Curriculum
GRADE LEVEL |
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT SOLs |
K-3 |
EA1 - Understand the expectations of the educational environment |
K-3 |
EA2 - Understand the importance of individual effort, hard work, and persistence |
K-3 |
EA3 - Understand the relationship of academic achievement to current and future success in school |
K-3 |
EA4 - Understand that mistakes are essential to the learning process |
K-3 |
EA5 - Demonstrate individual initiative and a positive interest in learning |
K-3 |
EA6 - Use appropriate communication skills to ask for help when needed |
K-3 |
EA7 - Work independently to achieve academic success |
K-3 |
EA8 - Work cooperatively in small and large groups towards a common goal |
K-3 |
EA9 - Use study skills and test taking strategies |
4-5 |
EA10 - Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses related to learning |
4-5 |
EA11 - Demonstrate time management and organizational skills |
4-5 |
EA12 - Apply study skills necessary for academic achievement |
4-5 |
EA13 - Use critical thinking skills and test-taking strategies |
4-5 |
EA14 - Understand the choices, options, and requirements of the middle school environment |
GRADE LEVEL |
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SOLs |
K-3 |
EC1 - Understand the concepts of job and career |
K-3 |
EC2 - Understand that behaviors such as punctuality, courtesy, proper dress and proper language are essential to current and future success |
K-3 |
EC3 - Understand the relationship of individual effort, hard work and persistence to achievement |
K-3 |
EC4 - Understand the importance of teamwork in working towards a common goal |
K-3 |
EC5 - Demonstrate the decision making process |
K-3 |
EC6 - Demonstrate goal setting |
4-5 |
EC7 - Recognize the benefits of both individual initiative and teamwork |
4-5 |
EC8 - Recognize that the changing workplace requires lifelong learning |
4-5 |
EC9 - Identify hobbies and interests |
4-5 |
EC10 - Identify career choices through exploration |
GRADE LEVEL |
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SOLs |
K-3 |
EP1 - Exhibit the principles of character, including honesty, trustworthiness, respect for the rights and property of others, respect for rules and laws, taking responsibility for one's own actions, fairness, caring and citizenship |
K-3 |
EP2 - Understand how to make and keep friends and work cooperatively with others |
K-3 |
EP3 - Understand that Americans are one people of many diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and national origins who are united as Americans by common customs and traditions |
K-3 |
EP4 - Demonstrate good manners and respectful behavior towards others |
K-3 |
EP5 - Demonstrate self-discipline and self-reliance |
K-3 |
EP6 - Identify resource people in the school and community and understand how to seek their help |
K-3 |
EP7 - Understand the importance of short- and long-term goals |
4-5 |
EP8 - Understand change as a part of growth |
4-5 |
EP9 - Understand decision making and problem solving strategies |
4-5 |
EP10 - Identify the emotional and physical dangers of substance use and abuse |
4-5 |
EP11 - Use strategies for managing peer pressure |
4-5 |
EP12 - Use strategies for handling conflict in a peaceful way |
