Welcome back!

These are unprecedented times, for sure, but we're in them together!  One thing that hasn't changed is the palpable sense of anticipation and excitement as we approach the first day of school!  I am very excited to be back at OPS and can't wait to work with your children again! 

Despite the positivity in the air here, these are still stressful, trying times, and you and/or your child(ren) may need some extra support.  Please take a look through my blog posts for guidance and suggestions on a variety of topics.  If you feel you need to speak with a mental health professional, click here for emergency mental health hotlines, as well as a list of psychotherapy providers in the OPS area. ​
PLEASE NOTE: During the State of Emergency mandating social distancing in NJ, most of the providers listed are providing telehealth services.  Because their offices may not be staffed, it may be necessary to leave a message and allow time for someone to return your call.  If you or a family member are experiencing the signs or symptoms of a mental illness and feel you are in crisis, call 201-262-HELP (4357) or dial 911.  ​
Click on the pictures above to learn more about each program.

Welcome to the OPS Counselor's Corner

The Role of the School Counselor

The school counselor supports students and teachers throughout the school day. The school counselor works with teachers and administrators to design programs that will assist in addressing students’ social and emotional development, including social skills groups, classroom lessons and other school initiatives. The school counselor also provides a student-based counseling program focusing on promoting appropriate grade level social skills, whole class lessons, and serves as a resource for staff members looking to increase the social emotional learning environments in their classrooms.

Learn more about the role of the school counselor from the American School Counselor Association.
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What does the school counselor do?

School counselors fulfill their role in many ways with varied responsibilities.  On any given day, a school counselor may do one or more of the following:
  • Listen to students’ concerns about academic, emotional, familial or social problems
  • Help students process their problems, plan goals and steps to reach them
  • Mediate conflict between students and teach them how to mediate conflict themselves
  • Conduct whole-class lessons addressing topics of concern
  • Organize and facilitate social skills groups 
  • Refer students and/or families to community professionals and other mental health resources
  • Participate in various school committees to improve school climate
Rima A. Mason, MA, LPC
School Counselor
201-614-4015
masonr@oradellschool.org
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​Oradell Public School
350 Prospect Ave.
Oradell, NJ 07649