Welcome to Whittier Elementary, staffed by dedicated educators and professionals.  We want your child to have the very best education and support available and will do whatever necessary to see this through.  Please contact us if we may assist you in any way.

Focus areas: 

• Classroom guidance: Classroom visits provide an opportunity to reach each and every student.  In addition to the curriculum provided by the school district, I also focus on preparation for junior high and high school with the upper level students.
• Small groups: I work with students who have similar needs in a small group setting to provide guidance and peer support.
• Individual work with students: I am available to any student who is interested in a meeting or discussion during school hours.  I make student requests a priority in my schedule at Whittier. 
• Parent education: I welcome contact from parents and focus on problem-solving, community resources and referrals for on-going support. 
• Mentoring: Our student representative program is dedicated to providing one to one peer-relationship building within our school setting.
• Parent/staff consultation: I am available to provide support in conferencing with teachers and/or parents.  My education and experience may be helpful when evaluating educational placements and services as well as other support services or recommendations.
• Other:  Our school is focused on school-wide character education.   I also work closely with outside enrichment activities such as the Boys and Girls Club and Boise City Parks and Recreation to bring structured activities to our student population.  The Student Representative Program recognizes and rewards the skills and services our outstanding 6th graders bring to our school community. 

Sue Tennant, MSW

Educational background and experience:  Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Boise State University, 1986.  Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City, 1989.  In addition to my 14 year employment as a student support professional for the Boise School District, I have also worked for the Department of Health and Welfare in Family and Children’s Services and in the Mental Heath Center. I hold a Licensed Clinical Social Worker license through the State of Idaho.

To email the counselor please use the following convention:
firstname.lastname@boiseschools.org

For more information about our District's Counseling program:
District Counseling Department | Classroom Guidance Units | Small Groups
Parent Education | Individual Student Counseling & Parent/Staff Consultation