About Us

School Counselor

Welcome to the site of the Manchester Elementary School Counseling Program. My name is Gwen Furano, and I am the school counselor. I am here for EVERYONE! I am here for every student, every teacher, and every parent who is part of the Manchester School community.  Please read on to learn more about my role at Manchester Elementary...

The goal of the school counseling program is to support the healthy growth and development of the total child (social, emotional, and academic) in his/ her world of school, home, and community. This process of growth is encouraged through classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, individual counseling, consultation with parents and teachers, and coordination of services.

Detail of Services:

Classroom Guidance Lessons- I teach guidance lessons once a month to each class, pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Lesson topics include making friends, character education, problem-solving, goal-setting, feelings, bullying, good manners, careers, and any other topics that a grade team might request. These lessons provide an important opportunity for non-referred students to interact with me.

Small Group Counseling- This is a process where students, sharing similar issues and concerns, work together in a small group environment consisting of about 5-8 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management. These groups are confidential in nature.

Social Groups- I host various groups such as “Lunch Bunch” and “Welcoming New Students” which allow students to socialize with one another and me without the structure and parameters of a formal counseling group.

Individual Counseling- Individual counseling is available for students who can benefit from extra assistance outside of the classroom.  The goal of this school-based counseling is to help children with issues that may be interfering with their learning in school.  Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, academics, social skills, academics, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making. It is conducted on a limited, short-term basis.  If long-term counseling is required and you feel your child would benefit from regular counseling sessions, please visit the Get Connected Family Resource Center www.getconnectedcc.org or the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau www.ccysb.com. I also have other community counseling resources available upon your request. Students may be referred to me by parents, teachers, or other school staff. A student may also meet with me through self-referral.

Collaboration and Consultation- I consult and collaborate with teachers and school staff, specialists, and outside resources in order to support students. When needed I attend IEP or 504 plan meetings. I also am the part of many different committees at school.

-PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)
-Student Council
-Green Club
-Extended Learning Program
-Education that is Multicultural
-AAA Safety Patrol Program
-ILT (Instructional Leadership Team)
-SST (Student Services)

If you have questions regarding your child’s well-being or school day, please feel free to call me at school at 410-751-3410 or email me at gwenfurano@carrollk12.org. We can conference over the phone or make an appointment to meet at school.

Resources for parents:

www.commonsensemedia.org/internet-safety
www.connectwithkids.com
www.sandbox-learning.com