School Counselors
Antuane "Ramon" Moore
Antuane "Ramon" Moore, is no stranger to education. He is in his twenty-sixth year in education. He has taught Fifth Grade, Choral Music, Government, Biology and Special Education classes to name a-few. Moore is a graduate of the Virginia State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Union Universities and also completed post-secondary classes at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. Educationally, he holds the Ed.S. In Mr. Moore’s pastime, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, Jakya, who is in the 8th grade. Singing, playing the organ, and socializing with family and friends is one of his favorite hobbies. He is a professional singer and is a vocal coach after counseling. Daily, he serves as a Professional School Counselor at J. L. Francis Elementary School in Richmond Public School.
Lafawndra Stith-Russell
Lafawndra Stith-Russell is a proud graduate of the former John Tyler Community College (now, Brightpoint Community College), where she earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. Meanwhile, she pursued her bachelor’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a degree in psychology. In the quest to become more competent in her chosen career, Stith-Russell attended Virginia State University where I earned both a Master’s of Education Degree in Counselor Education, and a Master’s of Education Degree in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction. It is her pleasure to serve the students, families, and staff of J.L. Francis Elementary School.
School Counseling Services
Classroom Guidance Lessons: We hope to visit your child’s classroom monthly to work with the students on a range of topics including anti-bullying, study skills, character development, understanding self and others, identifying and dealing with feelings, team building, goal setting, internet safety, celebrating diversity and more! Our goal is to address developmental issues common to ALL elementary school-aged students. Letters will be sent home after most lessons in hopes that parents will extend these discussion topics at home.
Small Group Guidance: We will be running a variety group guidance session throughout the year on multiple topics. Small group counseling is available to all students in need, and may be requested by parents, students, or school staff. Parental permission is required. Groups are designed so that students may gather together in a confidential setting to work through an issue that is preventing them from doing their best in school. They have the opportunity to interact and connect with peers, practice new skills, provide and receive feedback, and set goals as needed. Topics include anger management, friendship/social skills, study skills, grief/loss, divorce/changing families, etc.
Individual Counseling: Individual counseling is available to all students in need, at the request of the student, parent, or staff member. While students may see us at any time for brief discussions, parental permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions. Students are able to express concerns in a safe environment, where problem solving can then take place.
Additional Services include (but are not limited to): Assessment resources and support (504 plans, SOL testing/Gifted testing, etc.), school-wide character development program, school-wide community service projects, consultation with parents and teachers, participating on the school’s Child Study Intervention Team and more!
Disclosure Statement
Your child will be participating in the school counseling program on a regular basis, unless you have mailed in an opt-out request. The opt-out provision excludes short duration personal/social counseling which is needed to maintain order, discipline, or a productive learning environment, or to assess instances of suspected child abuse and/or neglect. A student may meet with the school counselor when he or she requests to, when parents/guardians, teachers, administrators or other school staff members refer the student, or if the counselor initiates contact. Written parental consent is required before students can participate in small group counseling or individual counseling that will be conducted on a continuing basis. Information and records of personal/social counseling will be kept confidential and separate from a student’s educational records and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior parental consent or unless required by law. Unfortunately, we cannot provide intensive, long-term counseling services.