Dear Parents and Guardians,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Melanie Scrivens and I am excited to have joined the Belcher family as the School Counselor. I am genuinely so happy to be here and be a part of such a wonderful school and community!

Some people like football, others are passionate about reading, but what I love is talking to, connecting with, and helping people. 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.

Belcher is a fantastic school, but that doesn’t mean that our students won’t face challenges while they are here. I would like your children to know that they have an ally, and that there is always an adult at the school who will be on their side.

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

Services Provided
As the School Counselor, I have the privilege to work with every single student in the school. I plan on working with students at the classroom level, small group level, as well as at the short-term individual counseling level. I will also be meeting with parents, collaborating with teachers and staff, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all Belcher students.

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE LESSONS: These lessons will be presented in the classroom for students in grades K-5 Lessons will teach developmentally appropriate, preventative lessons 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 to 6 students and last for 6 to 8 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 to 5. Students may self-refer or be referred to the counselors 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 don’t hesitate to contact me. 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 so that we can meet face to face. I can be reached by email at scrivensm@pcsb.org OR 727-538-7437 Ext:2060

I’m excited to be here and I look forward to getting to know you and your children!

Respectfully,

Melanie Scrivens