Ms Terri would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce our School Counselor for 2007-08. MR CHRIS FRIEDLANDER, MSW, LCSW, has been at Queen of Peace Elementary School since March 2003. He will be at our school this year on Wednesdays. He will be conducting both individual as well as group sessions. Students may be recommended to him by the principal, the teacher or by parents. We look forward to another productive year of CHRIS helping our students to better understand and enjoy their young lives. This year, CHRIS will be implementing some class activities in conjunction with our new Wellness Policy. Topics planned will include stress management, how to handle bullying, how to control your anger and how to improve your self-esteem.

CHRIS has earned his Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University. He has worked with the West Bergen Mental Health Care in Ramsey. In partnership with Columbia University, he participated in a yearlong consultation and study utilizing evidence-based treatment of depression in children and adolescents. He has over ten years of experience in working with children and their families.

CHRIS believes that children should grow up to function optimally in today’s society. In order to accomplish this, they need to learn how to solve their problems in order to be happy. This allows them to work on finding their purpose in life. However, sometimes, life throws many obstacles at children that may be hard for them to understand and overcome on their own. This is where any job as a counselor as well as a parent or guardian comes in.

CHRIS feels that it is important for you to know and understand that when meeting with a child, the information exchanged is held in confidence. This gives them a sense of safety and freedom to be more comfortable in expressing how they really feel. Confidentiality can be broken only if there has been talk of suicide or homicide or child abuse. Of course, communication from a child to their family is always encouraged, especially to facilitate problem-solving. In addition, CHRIS seeks permission from the child to talk to families about the content of a meeting. If so, phone calls to CHRIS or a family meeting can also be arranged to discuss the matter further.

CHRIS firmly believes that the impact of the school as well as the family cannot be emphasized enough in the child’s search for his/her strengths and the ability to use them effectively. Together, in a collaborative effort, the home and school can help the child to reach these goals.

Please complete the form below if you want your child to attend counseling sessions either individually or as a group, regularly or on an as-needed basis. Also, in all confidentiality, please express the particular need or family crisis that your child may be experiencing. Sign and return in an envelop to the Main Office to CHRIS FRIEDLANDER.

QPGS is very blessed to have such an experienced and professional guidance counselor. I strongly encourage families in crisis to take advantage of this FREE service. I assure you that all information is always kept confidential.

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CHILD___________________________________________________GRADE_______

I would like my child to participate in group sessions:

______DIVORCED FAMILIES

______BLENDED FAMILIES

______FAMILIES WHO EXPERIENCED DEATH OF ONE

BIRTH PARENT

______FAMILIES WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING

DRUG/ALCOHOL PROBLEMS OF ONE BIRTH PARENT

______ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES

______BEHAVIORAL DIFFICULTIES

I would like my child to attend individual sessions. Briefly explain issues.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that all information is kept confidential.

Please sign and return in a sealed envelop.

_____________________________ ________________

PARENT SIGNATURE DATE