201.337.0336 ext.322                                                       jballas@franklinlakes.k12.nj.us

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that."

Counseling Philosophy:
The Franklin Lakes School Counseling Program believes that all people can learn and grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and also develop a strong sense of moral responsibility.  Our comprehensive program is built on the assumption that educational, career, and personal objectives are attainable when all students are supported by school counseling services.  All students in Franklin Lakes, grades K-8 have the right to receive school counseling services and discuss unique needs.  The counselors will serve as a liaison between students, parents and, when necessary, teachers to maximize student success.

Elementary School Counselors believe:
-Emotional development, like academic development, is essential.
-Children's feelings directly affect their behavior. Therefore, helping students identify and understand their feelings will lead to better choices.
-Children need to be heard, and have relationships with adults who talk with them and not at them.
-Counselors are never disciplinarians so students can consider the counselor's office a safe place.  Our role is not to solve students' problems, but to give them the necessary tools to solve their own problems.
-Character education starts at a very young age.  Developing the character of youngsters when they are in elementary school will lead to success throughout their lives.

Programs & Services:
Individual & Group Counseling:
    Conversational Skills
    Cooperative Play
    Friendship Building
    Emotion Management
    Empathy
    Conflict Management
    Changing Families
    Lunch Bunch

Character Education: Weekly Kindergarten Lessons and Monthly Grade 1 - 5 Lessons

School-wide Initiatives: Red Ribbon Week, Mix-It-Up Day, Pennies for Patients, etc.