Your School Counselor (CLICK HERE)

I am Lakisha S. Whitaker and this is my fourth year as a school counselor at Horrell Hill Elementary. I received my professional training at South Carolina State University of Orangeburg, SC and was certified by the South Carolina State Department of Education in May of 2019. As a school counselor in the Hopkins, SC community, I am devoted to supporting students in the area of college and career readiness, academic growth, and social/emotional development. As a school counselor, some of the areas that I have been trained to service students in are individual counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, collaboration, and individual student planning.

Students are presented with so many challenges, and it is my goal that we are able to aid our students with strategies and practices that they can incorporate into their everyday lives to solve problems, deal with conflict, and make positive decisions. My vision for the 2022- 2023 school year is to improve conflict resolution through communication, compromise, and empathetic thinking.  As an elementary school counselor, I realize that these are the years where students develop lifelong habits, learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and build outside relationships. It is imperative that all students have a collaborative support system to ensure their success and maturity.

I am a firm believer that the family unit is the most important part of our world. With that, children are directly impacted by those that they are surrounded by. If we as school leaders are able to make a lasting impression on our students, we have a greater chance to lead and guide them into adulthood with the necessary tools that they need to become productive citizens.  

SERVICES OFFERED:

Individual Counseling: Students can be referred for individual counseling by way of teachers, parents, administration, or self-referral. During the 4-6 week period, we develop goals, check in for improvements, and work toward maturity.

Group Counseling: 4-8 students can be selected to be involved in a group with students who need the same intervention. Students transition through the group together while sharing experiences, holding each group member accountable, and working toward common goals. Students are selected for group counseling as needed. 

Classroom Guidance/SEL: Students receive monthly lessons with their grade level on social skills, character traits, and social emotional learning. These lessons are selected based on student behavior and teacher concerns.

College/Career Readiness: Students are given an opportunity to explore SCOIS to learn about colleges and careers concerning their academic levels as they matriculate to become college and career ready.

PARENT RESOURCES (Click Here)

HOMEBOUND SERVICES (Click Here)

COUNSELOR CORNER:

If you would like to refer a student for services, volunteer, be a recipient of pantry giveaways for Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc: Please click on the link below and complete the Microsoft Form. Thank you!

Student Referral Services Form (Click Here)