• Meet the Counselor


    Welcome to the Waseca K – 6 School Counseling Website

    Stephanie Hulscher

    K – 6 School Counselor

     huls@waseca.k12.mn.us

    Hartley Direct Line (507) 835-0986

    WIS Direct Line (507) 833-0768

     

     

    Why do kids need school counseling?

    • Children learn best when they feel good about themselves.

    • Children who understand their feelings are better able to control their behaviors.

    • Schools, parents and communities that communicate and collaborate provide the most effective support to children.

    • Attitudes formed during elementary school shape future attitudes towards learning, self and society.

    What exactly does a school counselor do?

    Much like the school nurse, my services are available to ALL students, not just those with emotional or behavioral difficulties or in a crisis.  It is part of my job to make sure that students are happy and doing their best at school.  Many factors go into kids doing well - their ability to focus and pay attention, their relationships with peers and teachers, how well they can manage their feelings and impulses and their lives outside of school.  Some of the activities I conduct:

    • Teaching classroom guidance lessons to help understand self and others,  communication skills, decision making skills, conflict resolution skills and career exploration

    • Work with children individually and in small groups

    • Consult with parents and teachers

    • Assist with crisis intervention

    • Collaborate with the Family Services Coordinator to find useful resources and make referrals.

    How are you different from a therapist at an outside agency?

    I frequently see children just a few times in my office or in the classroom setting.  Although I do often help children with family problems and behavior at home, my primary role is to deal with school-related problems.  Sometimes an issue is better addressed more intensively in a therapeutic setting and with greater direct parental involvement. If you would like to discuss a therapist referral for your child, I work with the Family Services Coordinators to find referrals to local resources.  

    How do children get to see you?

    Children may come to me in a variety of ways.  Usually it’s by recommendation of the classroom teacher and/or the parent.  Often, children will approach me themselves and ask if they can see me.  Each classroom has a form to fill out to request an appointment.

    What might a student talk about while in the counseling office?

    • Feelings about him/herself

    • Difficulty in making or getting along with friends

    • A family problem

    • A school problem

    • A fear or worry

    • A physical concern

    • The need for a little tender loving care

    What might a student do in the counselor’s office?

      • Talk about things that are important to children

      • Use materials to help express feelings and problems

      • Talk about feelings

      • Work on a plan to reach a goal

      • Read stories that help students learn and understand more about themselves

      • Calm down when feeling upset

      • Play games to learn ways to relate to others