Parent Letter

September 12th, 2018

Dear Challenge School Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Kristen Kovack and I joined the Challenge family in the beginning of September. I am so incredibly happy to be here and to be a part of this amazing school and community. I am currently working on introducing myself to all of the students here at Challenge School.

Some people like sports, others are passionate about reading, but what I find most enjoyable and rewarding is truly connecting with, and helping young people! I hope that the students here think of my office as a friendly place, where they are always welcome to find a safe haven- a place where they might be able to get assistance if they are feeling worried, concerned, or even just to stop in and say “hello!”

Challenge School, is a great environment, but that doesn’t mean that our students won’t face at least one obstacle while they are here. I would like your children to know they have an ally, an advocate, and that there is always an adult (if not several) at the school who will be on his/her side.

As a school counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, social/emotional, and career development of all students. I look forward to being able to offer support to students, staff, families, and the community as a whole!

Services Provided

As the counselor, I have the extreme privilege to work with each and every student in the school. I am hoping to work with students at the classroom level, small group level, as well as being able to provide short-term individual counseling. I am also available to meet with parents, collaborate with teachers and staff, and consult with various community organizations to benefit and ensure that the needs of all of our students are being met!

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE LESSONS: These lessons will primarily be presented in classrooms for students in grades 6-8. Lessons will focus on ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) which is a new Colorado Department of Education requirement. More information to follow soon!

GROUP COUNSELING: Small group counseling a way to provide small groups of students who are experiencing similar concerns. This can range from making and keeping friends, bullying, coping with separation/divorce, grief and loss, or getting organized and improving self esteem. The groups typically have between four to six students, and last for about four to five sessions. The students for these groups can be recommended by parents/guardians or by staff members.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: One on one counseling is available to support all students in grades K to 8. Students may self refer or be referred to the counselor by staff or parents/guardians. Confidentiality is respected. This is not intended to replace outside therapy, but instead seeks to provide additional support or direction as necessary.

CONSULTATIONS: I am also able to attend meetings with administrators, teachers, and/or parents to discuss any and all needs of individual students. I am here to assist in ensuring that all students at Challenge have a productive and positive school year. If I can support your child in any fashion, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

TRANSITION PLANNING: The transition from middle school to high school can seem daunting, but I am here to organize, follow up, and work with each individual student to plan out what comes after Challenge School. I will be working with high school counselors to build relationships and solid connections to ensure that the transition to high school will be as seamless as possible!

**Confidentiality Clause**

Please note that all information discussed is confidential between me and your child, unless they are planning on hurting themselves, hurting someone else, or someone is hurting them.

Please feel free to call me, email me, or stop on in so that we can meet face to face. My hours are Tuesday - Thursday, 7:30 am to 3:40pm. I can be reached by email at kkovack@cherrycreekschools.org or by phone at (720) 747-2142.

I’m excited to be here and I look forward to getting to know you and your children!

Kindest Regards,

Kristen Kovack, MA LPC