Guidance Counselor

Welcome to the Counselor's Corner!

Hello and welcome! My name is Ms. Pagan, and I’m the school counselor here at P.S.361. I’m so glad you stopped by! As your school counselor, my goal is to help every student feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day. The Counselor’s Corner is a space for students, families, and staff to find helpful information about social-emotional learning, wellness, and upcoming school events.

Together, we can help our students build confidence, develop strong friendships, and reach their full potential — both inside and outside the classroom.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

As the school counselor, I work with students, teachers, and families to support academic success, positive behavior, and emotional well-being. I meet with students individually, in small groups, and in classrooms throughout the year.

Some of the ways I support our students include:

  • Teaching classroom lessons about kindness, respect, friendship, and problem-solving
  • Leading small groups to help students with social skills, self-regulation, or coping strategies
  • Meeting one-on-one with students who need extra support
  • Partnering with teachers and families to help students succeed academically and socially
  • Promoting a positive, inclusive, and caring school community

Family Resources

Here are a few ways families can support social and emotional growth at home:

  • Practice calming strategies together. Try deep breathing or taking a short walk when emotions feel big.
  • Model kindness. Children learn empathy by watching how adults treat others.
  • Talk about feelings. Use open-ended questions like, “What made you happy/sad today?”
  • Limit screen time before bed. A calm bedtime routine helps children rest and recharge.

For Students

Hey kids! This section is just for you:

  • Coping Tip: Take 3 deep breaths and count slowly to 5 when you feel upset.
  • Kindness Challenge: Say something kind to 3 people today!
  • Positive Affirmation: “I am kind, I am brave, I can handle hard things.”

November is Career Month!

This month, we’re exploring the exciting world of careers! Throughout November, I’ll be visiting classrooms to talk about different jobs, the skills they require, and how students can begin thinking about their own interests and future goals.

Students in the upper grades will have the opportunity to identify careers that match their strengths and passions, helping them imagine what they might want to be when they grow up.

We’ll wrap up Career Month with a celebration on Friday, November 21st!

🎤 Guest speakers from a variety of professions will visit to share their experiences, and students are invited to dress up as their future career choice. If you would like to volunteer to be a guest speaker, please contact Ms. Pagan.

Let’s dream big, explore new possibilities, and celebrate all the amazing careers that make our world work!

 Drawing of different children dressed as the profession they want to be with the text "Career Day."