At the JEC Lower School students thrive from a warm, caring and fully integrated Guidance Department.  Focusing on the whole child our team of licensed and trained professionals work in the classrooms with all students to ensure healthy social-emotional development.

From the earliest years where students adapt to being part of a learning community to more advanced grades where they rediscover and articulate their independence, our guidance team supports students’ emotional development and growth through age appropriate programs and curricula.

Working individually and in groups, students develop key relationship and coping skills necessary to thrive as they grow.  Specific challenges are met early and addressed in a compassionate, proactive and collaborative manner.   Our progressive approach empowers teachers and students to seek guidance in a warm, welcoming, safe and supportive environment.

Our incredible guidance team also works with parents, educators, the school administration, and independent mental-health professionals to form a single unit focused on ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Should you have any questions about our Guidance Department, or related information, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Guidance, Dr. Rebecca Mischel.

Here is a sampling of the topics covered in our curriculum by grade:

K-Primer

  • Identifying Feelings and What We Do With Them
  • Building a Classroom Community
  • Positive Communication with Peers
  • Being a Good Friend
  • Self-Esteem and Positive Self-Talk
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Tattling v. Telling

1st-2nd Grade

  • Identifying Feelings and What We Do With Them
  • Building a Classroom Community
  • Positive Communication with Peers
  • Being a Good Friend
  • Self Esteem and Positive Self-Talk
  • Sportsmanship
  • Tattling v. Telling
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Take Time to Cool Off
  • Use I Statements

3rd-4th Grade

  • Self Esteem and Positive Self-Talk
  • Building a Classroom Community
  • Bullying
  • Roles in a Bullying Situation - Bully, Bystander, Target
  • Relational Bullying
  • Assertive vs. Aggressive vs. Passive
  • When to Ask for Help – Tattling v. Telling
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Take time to Cool Off
  • Use I Statements
  • Each Person States the Problem as the Other Sees it
  • Each person Says How They are Responsible for the Problem
  • Brainstorm Solutions Together
  • Affirm, Forgive, or Thank Each Other

5th Grade

  • Review of Previous Grades and
  • Internet / Social Media:
    • Online Etiquette
    • Internet Memory
    • Effects of Social Media - Why/What People Post and What it Means to others.
    • Bullying Online
  • Time management