Hello! I’m Lisa Tarsa, the School Counselor at Northville Elementary School, and I love being part of this wonderful community!
I teach developmental guidance to students in grades K-2. The guidance lessons align with the American School Counselor Association guidelines and the New Milford Public Schools Character Education Program. The curriculum includes lessons from the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement Enrichment Program, a social and emotional learning program (SEL) that teaches students how to choose love in any circumstance and helps them become connected, resilient, and empowered. Guidance lessons promote and reinforce positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, perseverance, citizenship, integrity, loyalty, courage and cooperation, as well as problem-solving, conflict resolution and strategies for self-regulation.
I also provide individual and group counseling based on teacher referrals and parent requests. These sessions are facilitated with parent permission.
During the elementary school years, students are beginning to develop their academic self-concept as well as their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. It is a time when students are acquiring attitudes toward school, self, peers and social groups, while developing character values. Communication, decision-making, and life skills are also being developed. My primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all students.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am here to help students achieve their goals, as well as provide support for parents and teachers.