Elementary School Guidance Office

 

Hello and welcome to a new school year! My name is Larissa Potosnak, and I am thrilled to be the school counselor here at Hardyston Elementary School. This is going to be a fun year filled with learning, growing, and lots of new adventures!

To give you a little background information about myself, I have a BA in Psychology with a minor in Education from West Chester University and an MA in School Counseling from Montclair State University. Before coming to Hardyston, I worked in several school districts as a long-term substitute school counselor at both the elementary and middle school level. I began working as the school counselor at our middle school during the 2017-2018 school year, and am excited to now be working at the elementary school!

As the school counselor, I am here to ensure that your child receives the necessary assistance to achieve academic success, social growth, and personal discovery. Communication with parents, teachers, and administrators in order to work as a team is important to help students be successful. Parents and teachers may refer students to individual or group counseling. I meet with students to address any issues or concerns which may include stress at home or at school, peer conflict, anxiety, organization, and any issue concerning the student. I also meet with students during lunch in a small group setting for topics such as changing families (divorce/separation), new students/friendships, study skills/organization, and social skills.

 

Other school counselor responsibilities include the following:

  • Facilitating Intervention and Referral Services
  • Coordinating and managing 504 plans
  • Serving as the Anti Bullying Specialist
  • Coordinating state testing
  • Organizing school-wide events such as Week of Respect, Red Ribbon Week, Kindness Week, etc.
  • Implementing character education

 

Please feel free to contact me for further information or for any concerns you may have. I look forward to assisting you and your child!


Larissa Potosnak

School Counselor

Hardyston Elementary School

973-823-7000 x8215

[email protected]