Counselor Introduction & Role

Hello! I am Heather Smith, the school counselor. It is such a privilege to work with the students, families, and staff at Heatherstone Elementary. I am a certified K-12 counselor and teacher with over 20 years’ experience.

Olathe Public Schools has an excellent comprehensive counseling program. I enjoy visiting the classrooms every other week to deliver the counseling curriculum in the areas of academic, social & emotional, and career development. This can include: books, videos, games, music, writing, iPad and art activities. I also conduct small groups to help with specific needs, such as, adjusting to a new school, making and keeping friends, or learning to manage feelings. Teachers and parents can refer children. Then parents give signed permission to participate. Students can also request to see me using the locked “Talk Box” outside my office, or simply scan the QR code found in each classroom.

Please do not hesitate to communicate with me through e-mail, phone, or a visit. I enjoy getting to know each family and helping children feel comfortable & confident at school. Also, if you desire help with getting connected to resources when a need arises, I am happy to assist. Finally, look for the newsletter I will send home each month: Helping Children Learn. It is for families to guide children toward school success using positive techniques and routines that are firm, fair, and consistent.

Hooray, Heatherstone Huskies!

Please visit Second Step Social-Emotional Learning for more information about the Bully Prevention & Child Protection curriculum our district uses.

An activation key “CODE” is given to you at school, so you can have access to many helpful resources.

Conscious Discipline is a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers you with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment for families. Learn more about social-emotional learning, discipline and self-regulation. Visit the Conscious Discipline website.

Harvesters Community Food Network provides food and related household products to more than 900 nonprofit agencies including emergency food pantries, community kitchens, homeless shelters, children's homes and others. Try their Helpful Food Locator webpage.

The H.E.L.P. Clinic operates in cooperation with the Olathe Public Schools and outside community resources. For many, the clinic provides a convenient, inexpensive and supportive resource for dealing with various challenging situations surrounding students or families. Visit the H.E.L.P. Clinic webpage.

Lives in the Balance, a nonprofit organization by Dr. Ross Greene, child psychologist and originator of Collaborative Problem Solving. This is a great resource for parents and educators. The website has videos, radio programs and help sheets to help foster collaboration, transform lives and inspire change. Visit the Lives in the Balance website.

My Resource Connection connects individuals needing assistance with resources that can help meet their needs. The assistance that individuals may need vary: groceries, clothing, housing, health care, counseling, transportation, employment, emotional support etc. Visit the My Resource Connection website.

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 9-8-8

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Visit the district's suicide prevention resources webpage.