Counseling & Mental Health

Our school counselors are Mrs. Nicole Mejia (3-5) and Mrs. Amy Brown (K-2). If your child is having difficulty dealing with challenges, trouble in getting along with others, or perhaps a great sadness or disruption in the family, the counselors can provide support through individual and small group counseling sessions. The counselors support the regular teaching staff in the personal development of students. School counselors provide interventions and/or support for behavioral and emotional difficulties.

Every adult in the school is a vital part of the counseling program, for they all provide positive role models and resources for communication – often the first resource for the student or parent. Staff often can help direct students and parents in the direction that will provide additional assistance.

Visit the Sacajawea Virtual Counseling Office - Get to know your school counselors, access resources, and SEL lessons!

 

WHAT Does the School Counselor Do at Sacajawea?

Direct student services including:

• Facilitate school-wide programs/activities/assemblies promoting academic & social-emotional development.
• Monthly classroom SEL (social-emotional-learning) lessons
• Small-group & 1:1 social skills instruction based on needs assessment.
• Responsive service – Provide behavior support / de-escalation strategies as needed.
• Individual student planning – Assist students in evaluating interests, abilities, skills, goal setting based on academic & social-emotional data.
• Individual or small group counseling – short-term & solution/goal-focused counseling. *School counselors do NOT provide therapy or long-term counseling; however are trained to recognize & respond to mental health needs making outside referrals when necessary.

Indirect student services including:

• Student Teacher Assistance Team (STAT) member- Provide consultation/share strategies supporting student achievement with teachers, other educators & parents.  
• Designing behavior support plans in collaboration with teachers, students, & parents when needed.
• Guidance for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information.
• 504 Plan Coordinator – Facilitate the referral process for students who may require an accommodation plan for academic and/or behavioral success.

Tips for Parents

The American School Counselors Associations (ASCA) offers the following tips for making a connection with your child’s school counselor:

• Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns. As a parent, you know your child best. However, a school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. It’s important to encourage your child’s expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are trained to help children navigate some of these issues.
• Learn about your child’s school and social connections. When you need information or assistance, your child’s school counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance and dress, navigate the school calendar, and stay connected with the school in many other ways. School counselors also can help you locate resources in the community when you need them.
• Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems. If your child is having a problem at school, it’s important to problem solve with his or her school counselor. You can discuss resources available both within and outside of the school and get information on how such programs can benefit your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child"s education and preparation for life beyond school.