Counseling

About our School Counseling Program

Gordon Elementary School Counseling Department Mission Statement
The mission of the Gordon Elementary School Counseling program is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. We partner with educators, parents, guardians and the community to ensure that students have access to and are prepared with the knowledge and skills to contribute as productive members of society.

What does a school counselor do?
We support all students through counseling individually, in small groups and through classroom guidance lessons. It is our job to help children succeed academically, behaviorally and emotionally. Parents may contact the school counseling office to arrange a meeting or phone conference by calling 378.2410 (ext. 2) or emailing Shannon_Priceccpsnet.net.

How does a student receive counseling services?
student referral
parent referral
teacher/staff referral

portrait of Shannon Price

Shannon Price, M.Ed

Hi Gordon Patriots! I am thrilled to be at Gordon Elementary as your School Counselor. I have my Undergraduate degree from Mid-Atlantic University and my Graduate degree is from Liberty University. I love working with children and supporting them to be able to be successful in life and at school. I work with students individually, in small groups and during classroom guidance lessons to improve academic, career and social/emotional development. When I’m not at school, my husband and two sons enjoy going to the beach and playing baseball, basketball and swimming.
Shannon Price, M.Ed

[email protected]

Ms. Copeland holding a frog puppet.

Claire Copeland, M.Ed

Hello Patriot family! I am so excited to be one of your school counselors here at Gordon. I received my Undergraduate degree from University of Lynchburg and my Graduate degree from Liberty University. I am thankful that I get to work with you and support you both in and out of the classroom. I work with students individually, in small groups and during classroom guidance lessons to improve academic, career and social/emotional development. When I’m not at school, I enjoy painting/drawing, listening to music, and going hiking with my husband, our son and our dog Honeybun!

Claire Copeland, M.Ed
[email protected]

New Student Orientation
Friendly Helpers
Food Drive
Monacan High School Mentoring
Kelso’s Conflict Management

Kelso’s Choices for Grades K-3

Kelso’s Choices for Grades 4-5

Group Counseling
Group counseling is available to all students in need, and may be requested by parents, students, or teachers. Parental permission is required. Groups are designed so students can gather together in a small setting to work together, interact, learn and practice new skills.

Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is available to all students at the request of a student, parent or staff member. While students may see us at any time for a brief discussion, parental permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions.

Classroom Lessons
We teach lessons in your child’s classroom or the computer lab at various times during the school year. Our goal is to address topics common to all elementary school-aged students. Topics may include Promote Respect (anti-bullying), internet safety, understanding self and others, and study skills.

Teacher and Parent Collaboration/Consultation
The counselor meets with teachers and parents to provide resources and support to help students grow academically, socially or behaviorally.

Gifted Education  

Due dates for submission of nominations for the Gifted Education assessment are:

October 15 (grade 5)
January 15 (grades 2-4)
March 15 (grades K-1)

**If the due date falls on a Holiday or a weekend, please use the next instructional day.

For more information on Gifted Education, click here.  

Study Skills

Homework Help

Students are expected to complete homework assignments on a regular basis.  A student who follows a regular study routine and whose homework assignment notebook is checked regularly by a parent/guardian is more likely to have a positive academic experience.  Here are some homework tips:

  • At the beginning of each week, schedule a homework time based on your child’s temperament and activities.
  • Provide a well-lit, quiet place that is free of distractions.
  • Make a “study kit” with materials needed for homework or studying.
  • Praise your child for what he or she does correctly.
  • Be available when your child is struggling to answer questions and review homework to see that it is complete.
  • Help your child put homework in the correct place.
  • Designate a “drop spot” in your home.  A drop spot is the place where all school backpacks, folders and supplies are stored.

Test Taking Experiences

As part of your child’s elementary school experience, he or she will periodically be given tests to assess ability or achievement.  The following ideas will be helpful in preparing your child for these tests:

  • Talk with your child about his or her feelings about testing.
  • Encourage your child to relax and to do his or her best.
  • Discuss behavioral expectations for the testing environment.
  • Ensure that your child maintains his or her routine bedtime (8-10 hours of sleep.)
  • Talk about and practice good nutritional habits, including eating a healthy breakfast on the morning the test.
  • Be sure your child wears comfortable clothing on the day(s) of the test.
  • Be sure your child arrives at school on time the morning of the test.

Information regarding specific types of tests and test dates will be sent home prior to testing.

Internet Safety

Chesterfield County Public Schools uses a state mandated set of lessons to teach students about internet safety.  Follow the tips below to help keep your child safe during internet use:

  • Keep computers in an area where adults are close by such as the kitchen, family room or another open area.
  • Internet accounts, primary screen names and controlling passwords should be in the parent’s name and parents should know all passwords the child uses.
  • Be aware of the searches, sites and games your child uses and check the parent review/rating page.
  • Use blocks and filters on your computer.
  • Your child should know who they are interacting with on the computer in real life (face to face).
  • Be open and honest about the potential dangers associated with social networking sites.
  • Limit your child’s computer time.
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