About The Program:
The school counseling program at Takoma Park Elementary School delivers intentional, evidence-based, data-informed activities and interventions that remove academic, career, and social/emotional barriers, helping all students reach their potential in all subject areas and develop a sense of belonging and sense of efficacy in their community.
Our students seek out new experiences and are equipped to face challenges with the belief that with hard work, curiosity, and compassion they can succeed in the short and long-term.
The School Counselor's Role:
The School Counseling program provides support in the following capacities:
Whole Class Lessons
All grade levels receive lessons in Personal Body Safety at the beginning of the school year.
Additionally, I implement the SecondStep Social-Emotional Learning program across all grade levels. SecondStep teaches children important skills for learning, development of empathy, emotion management skills, and problem-solving skills.
Small Group Counseling/Lunch Bunches
Small Group counseling offers the opportunity for students with similar concerns to learn and talk with each other in a safe and fun environment. Permission slips will be sent home prior to a student participating in a small group. Students love participating in these groups!
Possible Group Topics:
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is available to all students to discuss academic, personal, and social issues. School counseling is not therapy but rather brief, short-term support for a student during a crisis situation, an immediate personal concern or a problem that may be affecting their academic success and their ability to focus in school.
About The Counselors:
Mr. Max Althofer
I am thrilled to be School Counselor at Takoma Park Elementary School. I have been a Counselor at TPES since 2016. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Education & Human Development with a focus on K-12 Counseling. During my graduate program I interned at Woodrow Wilson High School in DCPS, and at The Frost School's Therapeutic Community Middle School program in Rockville. Prior to my counseling career, I taught Pre-K for 5 years in Maryland and Washington DC. I loved being in the classroom, but had a passion for the social-emotional well-being of children. I feel it is key to their success and it is important to build a strong foundation as early as possible!
When I am not at work, I spend a lot of time with my family, including my husband. We have a large family and like to spend time visiting them in New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Illinois, and North Dakota. I enjoy renovating and fixing up my home in Washington DC, and love travelling the world and exploring other cultures.
The school counseling program at Takoma Park Elementary School delivers intentional, evidence-based, data-informed activities and interventions that remove academic, career, and social/emotional barriers, helping all students reach their potential in all subject areas and develop a sense of belonging and sense of efficacy in their community.
Our students seek out new experiences and are equipped to face challenges with the belief that with hard work, curiosity, and compassion they can succeed in the short and long-term.
The School Counselor's Role:
- Counsel individually with students in brief solution-focused counseling sessions
- Teach monthly guidance lessons in classrooms
- Conduct small group counseling sessions
- Consult with parents and families regarding concerns
- Consult with teachers
- Provide information on community resources for families
- Provide support during personal crisis
- Promote a positive and safe school climate
- Be a visible, proactive, positive support for ALL staff and students
The School Counseling program provides support in the following capacities:
Whole Class Lessons
All grade levels receive lessons in Personal Body Safety at the beginning of the school year.
Additionally, I implement the SecondStep Social-Emotional Learning program across all grade levels. SecondStep teaches children important skills for learning, development of empathy, emotion management skills, and problem-solving skills.
Small Group Counseling/Lunch Bunches
Small Group counseling offers the opportunity for students with similar concerns to learn and talk with each other in a safe and fun environment. Permission slips will be sent home prior to a student participating in a small group. Students love participating in these groups!
Possible Group Topics:
- Changing Families/Divorce
- Anger Management
- Social Skills
- Stress/Anxiety Management
- Friendship
- Good Grief (Grief/Death)
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Problem Solving /Making Good Choices
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is available to all students to discuss academic, personal, and social issues. School counseling is not therapy but rather brief, short-term support for a student during a crisis situation, an immediate personal concern or a problem that may be affecting their academic success and their ability to focus in school.
About The Counselors:
Mr. Max Althofer
I am thrilled to be School Counselor at Takoma Park Elementary School. I have been a Counselor at TPES since 2016. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Education & Human Development with a focus on K-12 Counseling. During my graduate program I interned at Woodrow Wilson High School in DCPS, and at The Frost School's Therapeutic Community Middle School program in Rockville. Prior to my counseling career, I taught Pre-K for 5 years in Maryland and Washington DC. I loved being in the classroom, but had a passion for the social-emotional well-being of children. I feel it is key to their success and it is important to build a strong foundation as early as possible!
When I am not at work, I spend a lot of time with my family, including my husband. We have a large family and like to spend time visiting them in New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Illinois, and North Dakota. I enjoy renovating and fixing up my home in Washington DC, and love travelling the world and exploring other cultures.
Mr. Al Seward
I am excited to be a part of the Takoma Park Elementary School Community. I was a student at this very school. I have been a school counselor in MCPS for 14 years. My bachelor’s degree was in Philosophy from Howard University and my master’s degree is in School Counseling from Bowie State University. I was born and raised in the DMV and my wife and I live in Silver Spring.
What I love about being a school counselor is having the ability to help support the social-emotional and personal growth of kids. I believe this is particularly important at the elementary school level because they are learning about who they are as individuals as well as developing as members of society. The foundation that is built during their younger years will have a large impact on their development when they are older. I love that I can be a part of helping to building that foundation.
When I am not at work, I am an avid movie goer and probably see between one to three movies a week! I am a huge superhero and comic book fan as well. I also love practicing the martial arts, listening to audiobooks and spending time with family and friends.
I am excited to be a part of the Takoma Park Elementary School Community. I was a student at this very school. I have been a school counselor in MCPS for 14 years. My bachelor’s degree was in Philosophy from Howard University and my master’s degree is in School Counseling from Bowie State University. I was born and raised in the DMV and my wife and I live in Silver Spring.
What I love about being a school counselor is having the ability to help support the social-emotional and personal growth of kids. I believe this is particularly important at the elementary school level because they are learning about who they are as individuals as well as developing as members of society. The foundation that is built during their younger years will have a large impact on their development when they are older. I love that I can be a part of helping to building that foundation.
When I am not at work, I am an avid movie goer and probably see between one to three movies a week! I am a huge superhero and comic book fan as well. I also love practicing the martial arts, listening to audiobooks and spending time with family and friends.
Contact The Counselors
Mr. Althofer
Phone: 240-740-0980
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mr. Seward
Phone: 240-740-0980
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mr. Althofer
Phone: 240-740-0980
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mr. Seward
Phone: 240-740-0980
E-Mail: [email protected]