Guidance Services

Mrs. Miller

Grades 4/5 and PALS
603-432-6937 X6523
kmiller@londonderry.org

Mrs. Wuorio

Grades 1, 2, 3
603-432-6937 X6519
kwuorio@londonderry.org


Mrs. Miller

Hi there! I work with students in 4th and 5th grade and our PALS program. I have been a counselor at MTS since 2009 and I absolutely love our school.  I support student on developing friendship skills, managing conflict, anxiety and family changes. 

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family.  My husband and I have two sons who attend Londonderry schools and we love attending all of their sports and club events! We also have 3 furry family members as well. In my free time I love to go running, read and do projects at our house. 

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you this school year!

Mrs. Wuorio

Hi!  My name is Kathy Wuorio and I am so excited to  work with your child!  I work with students in Grades 1-3, and help with a variety of issues. Some of the topics we address are:

•       Friendship issues

•       Social skills

•       Managing upset feelings

•       Dealing with worries

•       Bullying concerns

•       504 and IEP plan implementation

Each month I go into classrooms for lessons, and also offer snack groups, “lunch bunch” groups and some individual help as well. 

When I am not in school, I love to take our dog for long walks and also read detective novels.  I have been so lucky to have worked in Londonderry for the past 25 years!

Counseling Services

Classroom Guidance

The guidance department works to visit each classroom at least one time per month (weekly in grades 4 & 5) to provide developmentally age appropriate guidance lessons on topics that can range from the following:

Dependent upon student needs and teacher feedback, individualization of classroom guidance can be provided in both small group format and individual counseling sessions.

 Group Counseling

Matthew Thornton Elementary School offers small group counseling to all of its students.  Our school counseling program can form groups based on our intimate  knowledge of student needs, parents requests or teacher feedback/input. Student support groups are held during snack time, lunch, or recess.

Small groups usually have no more than 6-8 students and session occur over a period of 6-8 weeks for about 25 minutes.   

Student support groups can focus on various topics based on student need, but the departments current focus is on teaching student to be resilient in the face of difficult situations such as divorce and grief.  Building coping skills is what we ultimately want to provide the students who participate in support groups.

 Individual Counseling

Elementary School Counseling services are available to ALL STUDENTS. The services provided by elementary counselors may vary according to the needs of the school, classes, and students. Any student is welcome to visit with the counselor at his/her own request, or at the request of a parent or teacher.  In addition, counselors are available to talk with parents about any concerns they may have, and may be contacted by phone or by e-mail. Below you will find a few, brief facts about elementary school counseling:

♦Counselors honor requests for confidentiality by both parents and students; however, open communication between parent, student, counselor, and teacher is always encouraged when appropriate.

♦School counseling is usually brief lasting only one or two sessions and is not meant to replace therapeutic services that students may receive outside of school.

♦With parent permission, some students may meet with their counselor for a longer period of time to address concerns that are greatly impacting his or her academic achievement.

What is School Counseling

 Developmental Needs

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills students acquire in the areas of academic, career and social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

Meeting the Challenge

Elementary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Elementary school counselors don’t work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success. School counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century.

School Counselors Mission

Our mission is to assist students in achieving their goals, become active participants in their learning, demonstrate kindness and empathy.  To this end, we promote access to equitable educational opportunities, develop the knowledge and skills necessary for college and career readiness, and support personal and social growth for all students. 

Student Council

Student Council is an organization run by student leaders in 4th and 5th grade. Each Fall students are elected by their peers to represent their class on the student council, every class has two representatives.

The students organize a number of fundraisers throughout the school year. In the past we have supported Make-A-Wish NH, local animal shelters, food banks,  Pink Warriors etc.  Student council members focus on demonstrating PAWS behaviors (Practice courage, Act responsibly, Work and play safety, Show respect) both in and out of school. The group is supervised by Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Smith. 

We are looking forward to a great year!

Recourses for Kids

Resources for Parents

The Upper Room

A Family Resource Center | 36 Tsienneto Road, PO Box 1017, Derry, NH 03038

https://www.urteachers.org 

211 NH

This phone call helps users access resources across the state for emergency housing needs, food bank locations and other support services.

Cyber Safety Resources

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/net-safety.html  

Good Grief Program through Home, Health and Hospice Care

603-882-2941

Free bereavement support groups

https://nhfv.org/support-group/home-health-hospice-care