Welcome to School Counseling

  • Elementary school counseling services help provide academic and personal/social support to help create the best learning circumstances for your child.  Our school counselors serve as part of a team, including parents, teachers, administrators, community, and students, to promote and improve student success within the school.  

    John Kerr Elementary School has two school counselors, Mr. Paul Cote and Taylor Hawkins.

School Counseling Activities at JKES

    • Developmental Guidance Lessons (within the classroom):  These lessons typically cover topics such as study skills, character education, social skills, and career awareness.

    • Small Group Counseling: Support groups are offered to students who may benefit from additional support dealing with stressors, such as: family changes, grief or loss, anger management, social issues, peer relations.

    • Individual Counseling:  Individual counseling is offered on an “as needed basis”, and tends to focus on problem-solving.  In these brief sessions, counselors work with students in addressing issues which might otherwise interfere with the student’s ability to succeed in school.

    • Parent Consultations: In these sessions counselors work with parents and families to help provide support and recommendations.


    Note    : School counseling is not therapy, however, we can assist you in locating appropriate community services when needed.

    Please feel free to contact our counselor with questions and/or concerns at
    540-662-3945 x63006

Our Counselors

  • Paul Cote
    Mr. Paul Cote
    cotep@wps.k12.va.us
    School Counselor

    My name is Paul Cote and I grew up in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan and received my undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in special education. After working in special education for a number of years I wanted to expand my skills to help students both educationally and social-emotionally. I earned my masters degree from Providence College in Rhode Island in school counseling. I taught special education for eight years in Virginia and Massachusetts and am now the school counselor at John Kerr Elementary School. 

    In my spare time I enjoy cycling and spending time with my family. I’ve been married to my wife Christine since 2010 and we have two children. My wife and I moved a few times while she was a US Naval Officer but when her commitment was up and we were able to choose where to live, we found our new home in the Winchester area. 

  •  Taylor Hawkins

    Taylor Hawkins
    hawkinst@wps.k12.va.us
    School Counselor

    My name is Taylor Hawkins, and I am so excited to be a school counselor at John Kerr Elementary School!  I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University, and I earned my masters in school counseling from The George Washington University.  This will be my fifth year as a school counselor.  I love working with children and watching their faces light up when they make a connection or master a new skill.

    In my free time, I love to stay active and spend time with my family and friends.  I live at home with my wonderful husband, our energetic pup, and our beautiful baby girl.  I am looking forward to a fantastic school year and meeting all of my new students and colleagues!

Helping Families...

    • Exploring ways to help your child succeed
    • Supply reference materials
    • Referrals to community resources
    • Access resources and services in our community
    • Adjusting to family changes
    • Parenting techniques

Helping Students...

    • Managing feelings (stress, worry, anger, grief, etc.)
    • Learning and creating friendships
    • Setting goals
    • Collaborative learning
    • Improving self-image
    • Adjusting to a new school
    • Learning how to make good decisions