Mrs. Sam, School Counselor

Hello and Welcome to my website!  I would like to introduce myself, I am Samantha Olson but everyone calls me "Mrs. Sam" and I am very excited to be the School Counselor at GIS again this year.  A little bit about myself, I love being outdoors with my family and dog while hiking, gardening and paddle boarding. I have two kids, my oldest is a first year student at UC Merced who attended IB education from 7th - 12 grade and another who is an 8th grader at GIS.  

As the School Counselor, I have the pleasure of working with GIS students and families in the following ways:

• Providing classroom instruction for bully prevention, social skills building, college and career readiness, maker’s week and PBIS  Store

• Providing direct counseling services to students individually, in small group, or large group instruction as needed.

• Providing education and support services for parents

• Facilitating referrals to community support services

• Advising students and parent on high school enrollment 

• Advising students on academic planning and career guidance

• Assistance with Service as Action, Community project and 5th grade Exhibition 

• Conducting Chronic/Excessive Absences calls 

• Serving on SST, 504 and IEP Team Meetings as needed

• Serving on the Leadership Team

• Serving as Advisor for Student Council 

• Conducting Restorative Justice meetings

• Assistance with the Master Schedule