JES Guidance Page

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School Counselor

Hello! My name is Joshua Rausch. I am the School Counselor at Jamestown Elementary School (Grades K-6). The JES Guidance Program offers classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and one on one meetings with students to support their social, emotional, academic, and career development. The school counseling program offers three tiers of support through the Character Strong Program. I encourage you to visit the Character Strong website for more information about our Character Program!

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One of the services I provide at JES is Guidance Lessons. “Guidance” is taught to all students (Grades K-6) once per week. In this class, students have the opportunity to learn about many different topics including:

  • Character Education - Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, etc.
  • Executive Functioning Skills - Focus, Time Management, Self-Control, Organization, etc.
  • Social Skills
  • Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation
  • Drug and Alcohol Prevention
  • Career Development
  • Media Balance and Digital Safety
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Another crucial piece of the guidance program at JES is small groups. Small groups take place during non-tested subjects and focus on the following topics: coping skills, emotional regulation, social skills, and self-management (school skills). Teachers and parents can refer students to small groups, and I also implement student surveys to place students in small groups. Let me know if you'd be interested in your child participating in a small group!

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I meet with individual students on both a consistent and as-needed basis to discuss various issues and concerns. My perspective is that we all need help with things sometimes, and I am here to provide that help and guidance to every student. Students can also be referred to ESAP (Elementary Student Assistance Program) for more intensive services, such as school-based counseling, outpatient counseling, family services, and IBHS (Intensive Behavioral Health Services).


Student Assistance Program

What is ESAP?

 

ESAP stands for “Elementary Student Assistance Program”. The function of ESAP is to provide support/services to students who are struggling academically. These services may include after-school programs, school-based counseling (individual and/or group), outpatient counseling, etc. Sometimes, when students are struggling in school, it can be an indication that they are also struggling with emotional/behavioral issues. These services are provided to assist students with these issues, in order to promote a more successful school experience.

 

Who participates in ESAP?

 

There are several staff members, as well as other professionals, who participate in ESAP.

Staff members who participate in ESAP include the principal, school nurse, teachers, and the school counselor. We also have a liaison from the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission (MCBHC) that attends our meetings and helps provide services for the students and their families.

 

When does ESAP take place?

 

The ESAP team at JES meets once per month for approximately one hour. These meetings

take place on the third Tuesday of the month. However, we are continuously in the

process of referring students to ESAP, conducting meetings with students and their parents,

and providing services for students referred to ESAP.

 

How do I utilize ESAP?

 

As a parent, guardian, or teacher, you can refer a student to ESAP by calling me, Joshua

Rausch (School Counselor), at the elementary school: 724-932-3181 ext. 1421. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

 


Curriculum Links

Character Strong
Too Good for Drugs
Smart Futures
Digital Citizenship

Contact Information

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Joshua Rausch

Elementary School Counselor

Jamestown Elementary School

724-932-3181 x1421