Cedar Hill C.A.A.R.E.S
Cedar Hill students learn these important skills.

Citizenship – I am a good citizen when I follow rules.

Awareness – I am aware of differences. 

Appreciation – I appreciate people for who they are.

Respect – I show respect for myself, others, property, and community.

Empathy – I know empathy is the path for friendship.

Self-Control – I have self-control when I am mindful of my thoughts and feelings.  I remain in control of my words and actions.

School Counseling

 Welcome to Mrs. Keating's Webpage

Hello, my name is Mrs. Kathryn Keating, and I am excited to be at Cedar Hill Elementary School this year!  This is my 13th year as a school counselor, and my 7th year in the Montville Township School District.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lebanon Valley College and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Montclair State University.  I serve as the 504 Coordinator, Intervention & Referral Services Coordinator and Anti-Bullying Specialist for CHES and am part of a district-wide support program available to students. I facilitate individual and small group counseling groups, as well as classroom lessons. I am available to consult with parents, teachers and administrators to help address specific academic, social-emotional and/or personal needs of the students. Please contact me with any questions, and I look forward to working with you and your family this year!

Phone: (973) 331-7100 ext. 1015

Email: kathryn.keating@montville.net

Counseling Philosophy

As a school counselor, I believe empathy and compassion are the keys to establishing strong relationships with my students in a warm, welcoming, and positive environment.  I use solution-focused counseling strategies to help students identify their feelings, consequences and outcomes of their words and actions, and goals they would like to achieve.  

Informed Consent:

Information gathered in group and individual sessions with students will be held strictly confidential according to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, as well as the American School Counseling Association Code of Ethics.  Exceptions to this confidentiality occur when there is suspected child abuse or imminent danger to the child or to others, at which time, by law, the Division of Youth and Family Services must be notified.

What does Mrs. Keating do?

• Assists children in understanding themselves and others

• Helps children develop successful behavior patterns 

• Assists with goal setting and decision-making

• Teaches career awareness, exploration and planning

• Provides education on understanding self and others, peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills

• Assists with the development of communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

• Provides substance abuse education

• Fosters multicultural/diversity awareness development

• Academic planning

• Enhances goal setting and decision-making skills

• Teaches an understanding of self, including strengths and challenges

• Develops transition plans--entering Kindergarten, transferring, graduation to middle school, etc.

• Facilitates individual and small-group counseling sessions

• Provides individual/family/school crisis intervention

• Conflict resolution--helps students learn to solve peer conflicts

• Consultation/collaboration

• Referrals

How can my child meet with Mrs. Keating ?

Students may request, in writing or by telling their classroom teacher that they want an appointment with Mrs. Keating.  Teachers, principals and parents may also request that a student meet with Mrs. Keating.  The best way to contact Mrs. Keating  is via email or on her confidential voicemail at 973-331-7100 ext. 1015.

Will I be notified if my child meets with Mrs. Keating?

Contact is made with parents after a student has met individually with Mrs. Keating on two occasions regarding the same topic.  Mrs. Keating firmly believes in a partnership with parents to nourish the best social-emotional development of the child.

Why Elementary School Counselors?

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.(From: The American School Counselor Association)