"Academic performance and Social-Emotional Learning go hand in hand.  In addition to academic improvement, students who receive SEL in Middle School and Jr. High also show improved classroom behavior, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others and school."

~The Core Project

Lessons are provided to students once a week in their Advisory classes.  They are based on and backed by CASEL  competencies.

Once a month, community partners from The Advocates, come in and teach an Advisory lesson for all grade levels.  This year the focus of all lessons center around Healthy Relationships.  This has been defined to students as those everyday relationships we encounter (ie.  friendships, classmates, peers, teachers and staff, as well as families and parents).

Students are exploring what they value in these relationships, what they give to them and how healthy communication plays an important role.

We are grateful to have this incredible partnership!

In partnership with The Flourish Foundation, our students get to take part in their Mindful Awareness Program for 6-12th graders.  This involves presentations once a week that are brought in to us.  Those students who were EHSS elementary students also got to experience this opportunity. 

Community Partnerships are AWESOME!

Photo by Andrew Moca on Unsplash

There are a multitude of opportunities for students to be a part of a small group with the School Counselor.  All small groups are formed by invitation only.  Students are generally recommended for this opportunity either by parents or teachers.  Once the School Counselor has met with students to determine their interest level, a permission slip for participation is sent home for families to view and sign.  No student will participate without this signed permission slip.

Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash 

There are many ways in which students may interact individually with the School Counselor.  One of the most common instances is for a quick check-in, when or if, a teacher, other staff member, or possibly parents themselves request one.  These instances consist of a quick "How ya doing" conversation and/or time in the relaxation area of the counseling office to regroup and get ready to tackle the day.  Emotions and reactions can heighten at any given time.  Students are always welcome in the counseling office to calm down and breathe.

There may be instances when on-going sessions with the counselor are needed or requested.  It is within the scope of our work to provide these on a short-term (1x week for 6-8 weeks) basis only.  If students are in need of this, parents will be communicated with, permission slips sent home and limits of confidentiality will be explained. 

Once short-term individual sessions have been exhausted, occasional check-ins are still available as needed.  However, if your student still needs routine support, Mrs. Silvis will help to recommend some of our wonderful community counselors/therapists.  In some cases, there may be counseling scholarship opportunities available.