Frequently Asked Questions

What does an elementary counselor do?

I support students, teachers, and parents in helping students overcome obstacles to their education. I do this through classroom lessons, small group lessons and meetings, and individual meetings with students, teachers, and/or parents.

I also coordinate many programs on campus:

  • C2 Club

  • WATCHDOGS

  • STAAR Testing

  • PALS and Heroes

  • Middle school transition

  • Examination for acceleration

What are PALS?

PALS are high school students that are learning to be mentors to younger students. Each high school PAL is assigned to two students. They meet with each student for 30 minutes per week for most of the year. When they meet with students, they may play games, hang out and talk, work on school work, read, etc… Students are selected to be matched with PALS through a referral system. Students may be referred by teachers, administrators, and parents. Students are selected for many reasons. They may be average students needing a little extra attention. They may have something going on in their lives where a positive role model would be beneficial. They may need a little motivation to like school. Whatever the reason, the students love being with their PALS! Parents of selected students are notified through a letter sent home.

What are HEROES?

HEROES is the Leander ISD adult mentor program. HEROES are matched to a student for a year, but often choose to continue mentoring the student beyond the first year. HEROES must go through a background check and a district training. Students must have parent permission to participate in this program. Students are selected through referrals from teachers, administrators, and parents for a variety of reasons. HEROES meet with the student for 30 minutes to an hour once per week for most of the year. They hang out and talk, play games, do crafts, etc… We have a very limited amount of HEROES on campus. We would love for more if you’re interested in volunteering!

What is McKinney Vento?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), supports the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. The act ensures that children and youth in homeless situations can enroll and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school. For more information, go to Leander ISD Homeless Services.