School Counseling Department
Ridgeland Elementary School
School Counseling Department
2026-2027
Students at Ridgeland Elementary School (RES) have a variety of academic, personal, social, and career-related needs that are supported through the Comprehensive School Counseling Program. The primary purpose of the School Counseling Curriculum is to equip all students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for academic success, career awareness, and personal and social development.
Students participate in weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons that focus on these key areas of growth. Through these lessons, students develop essential skills such as responsible decision-making, self-awareness, relationship building, and effective problem-solving. These experiences help students become productive members of their school and community. The ultimate goal of the school counseling program is to prepare students to make healthy, informed, and responsible life choices.
All SEL lessons are aligned with the South Carolina Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program Model and are designed to support the academic, social-emotional, and career development of every student.
The Ridgeland Elementary School Counseling Department is committed to providing high-quality counseling services through the following practices:
- Delivering a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program that serves all students.
- Providing weekly SEL instruction that promotes academic, career, personal, and social growth.
- Offering individual and small-group counseling to address students' unique needs.
- Supporting students in developing positive coping skills, self-management strategies, and healthy relationships.
- Collaborating with families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to enhance student success.
- Providing responsive services, including crisis intervention and student support.
- Advocating for equitable access to opportunities and resources for all students.
- Promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive school climate.
- Using data to assess student needs and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Encouraging students to become responsible, respectful, and resilient learners.
2026 - 2027 Events/Activities:
August 2026- Welcome Back Students!!!
August 2026- National Attendance Awareness Month
September 15- October 15, 2026- Hispanic Heritage Month
September 2026- National Suicide Prevention
October 26-30, 2026- Nation Bullying Prevention Month/Red Ribbon Week
October 1–31 – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 2026- Erin's Law Lessons
November 2026- Canned Food Drive and Career Development Month
December 2026 - Angel Tree
January 2027- Beta Club Induction
January 20 – 100th Day of School Celebration
February 2027- Black History Month
March 19, 2027 - Career Day Program
March 1–31 – Women’s History Month Celebration
March 2027- SEL Day
April 2027- Child Abuse Prevention Month
School Counselors:
Reyna Watson (CD-2nd)
Cynthia Higgins (3rd-5th)
