•  Meet the Counselor -          Joan McRae

     Hello everyone and welcome to West!  My name is Joan McRae and I am your School Counselor.  I have been a counselor with Lee County Schools since 1998, but back in those days we were known as Smiths Station Primary and only had Kindergarten and First Grade.  In 2011 we became West Smiths Station Elementary School and now serve students from Kindergarten through 6th grade.

    As a School Counselor it is my privilege to work with these students each day. It is my goal to teach them to "Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Ready". In order to be successful, student needs are addressed through a variety of counseling services.

    Classroom Guidance - Through whole group lessons I am able to serve all students as we address topics in the areas of Academic, Career and Personal / Social Development.  Every other week your child's class will meet with the counselor as our lessons emphasize decision-making skills and early exploration of career and educational goals.  There will be a strong emphasis on helping students develop self-awareness, self-esteem and good interpersonal relationships, just to name a few.

    Small Groups - Student needs are also addressed through Small Group Counseling sessions outside the classroom.  This allows me to respond to a student's more specific needs in a more personal way. Students are taught skills to improve their ability to cope in areas such as Grief / Loss, Anger Management and Social Skills, etc. Support is gained as they learn with other students who may have similar concerns. Some groups may be immediate-response to address crisis situations, but parental permission will be obtained before students participate in long-term counseling groups. 

    Individual Counseling is available to address crisis situations and problem solving.   If more comprehensive or long-term intervention is needed, assistance with referrals to outside community resources will be provided.  Students can request to see the counselor, but teachers and parents may also request counselor intervention and consultation to address short-term concerns.

    Please feel free to contact me at mcrae.joan@lee.k12.al.us or (334) 664-4050 for more information or if you feel I can be of service.