We would like to introduce ourselves as the school counselor's for P.S.246. Ms. Amina August is the counselor for Kindergarten to second grade and Ms. Tara Cannistraci is the counselor for third to fifth grade. Ms. Cannistraci also assists fifth grade students and families with the middle school application process. As school counselors, we help set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. We work collaboratively with each other on some cases. We also work with teachers, administrators, community agencies and parents, which in turn, positively affects the students. HERE ARE SOME TOPICS THAT CAN BE DISCUSSED DURING COUNSELING: Making friends Liking myself Being a "new kid" Studying Bullying Death and dying Moving away Being honest Parent's divorce/separation Getting along with others Organization Learning and Responsibility As school counselors, we maintain a brief list of local counseling services for referral purposes for parents interested in private counseling for their student. Please contact Ms. Cannistraci or Ms. August at (718) 584-6764 for more information. The referral list is not a recommendation for any provider of private counseling services. Please understand that school counselors are not therapists.