Huntington Local Elementary School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Sarah Kohls and I am the Elementary School Counselor for Huntington Local School District. I am so happy to be here and be a part of such a wonderful school and community!

I love talking and connecting with our students here at Huntington. I would like the students here to think of my office as a warm and friendly place, where they are always welcome. My office is also a safe haven – a place where they can get help if they feel confused or worried.

As a School Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all students. I offer and provide support to the students, staff, families, and community.

SERVICES PROVIDED

As the Counselor, I work with students at the classroom level, small group level, as well as at the short-term individual counseling level. I meet with parents, collaborate with teachers and staff, and consult with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all of our students.

CHARACTER EDUCATION LESSONS: These lessons are presented in the classroom for students in grades K-4. Lessons will teach developmentally appropriate, preventative character education to all children.

GROUP COUNSELING: Group counseling is provided for small groups of students experiencing similar concerns. These may include making and keeping friends, anger management, coping with separation, divorce and/or loss, getting organized, study skills and/or improving self-esteem. The groups generally range from 4 - 6 students and last for approximately 4 - 6 sessions. The students for these groups can be recommended by parents, guardians or by staff members.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: Short-term one-on-one counseling support is available to all students in grades K-4. Students may self-refer or be referred by teachers, staff, and/or parents. Confidentiality is respected.

CONSULTATIONS: I am available to have meetings with teachers, administrators and/or parents to discuss the needs of individual students. I am here for all students and want to ensure that your child has a productive and positive school year. If I can support your child in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS: This year, we received a special grant to allow our students and staff the opportunity to try a different fresh fruit and vegetable every week. Please ask your child to tell you about the new fruit or vegetable they tried each week! I also provide support and assist in coordination for the following: Grandparents Night, Huntsmen Bucks Program, Quarterly Proud Huntsmen Awards, PAX Good Behavior Game, Federal 504 Plans, Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, Cognitive Abilities Test, Third Grade Reading Guarantee, and Ohio State AIR Test Coordination.

Any student can request to meet with me or they can be referred by a teacher, administrator, or parent. I encourage you to reach out if you have concerns regarding your child.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Please note that all information discussed is confidential between me and your child, unless they are planning on hurting themselves, hurting someone else or someone is hurting them.

Please feel free to call me, or stop in to see me. I can be reached by email at sarah.kohls@huntsmen.org or by phone at (740) 663-2191.

I’m excited to be here and I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Sincerely,

Sarah Kohls, M.Ed., LPC, LPSC