The counseling program at Dr. Cano Freshman Academy addresses the scope and sequences of the guidance curriculum in the following areas:

• Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Intrapersonal Effectiveness

• Postsecondary Planning and Career Readiness

• Personal Health and Safety

Our counseling department addressed the interpersonal and intrapersonal effectiveness.  The data that was used to address these areas was a  School Culture and Climate survey, which was distributed to the secondary level by the school district.  The survey asked the students questions regarding the following: social-emotional learning, sense of belonging, goal setting and perseverance, emotional regulation and coping mechanisms.  The results from this survey helped us in implementing the lessons, counseling sessions, and Wellness Wednesday counseling activities for our student to help support and address the areas needing the most support.  Below is the data from the survey.  The data is connected to the interpersonal effectiveness because the students responded about how they are able to control their emotions.  5% of the students responded that they are almost never able to control their emotions.  The survey also asked about their emotional response showing that the students are experiencing a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative.   In addition, the survey also asked the students about how connected they feel to the staff and students at their school.  The survey data shows that 22% of students feel they only belong a little bit or not at all at school.  In addition, 35% of the students indicated they do not feel connected to an adult on campus. 

In order to address these main points, the counseling department provided lessons to all students through the English, Biology, and Math classes.  Below are two of the presentations that were implemented in the classrooms.  One dealt with learning about emotional intelligence in regards to being able to be self-aware about their emotions and using various coping mechanisms to self-regulate those strong emotions. 

During the lesson the worked in pairs to write down five to seven emotions that are common among teenagers and how to cope with those emotions.  The students also completed a handout in which they wrote emotions, what stress and anxiety are, and different coping techniques they can use to self-regulation when they are feeling strong emotions. The students also practice during the lesson about how to use two of the coping techniques: breathing and grounding technique. In addition, when we would meet with students individually we could also evaluate the skills they learned during our lessons.  The students were able to request seeing a counselor through the use of the QR code.  There is at least one counselor in the 5 of the 6 hallways available for students counseling and support. In addition, each of the counselors and advisor received an emotional support plushie that we can integrate as a tool when supporting our students through counseling.

The counseling department worked with other stakeholders (administrators, teachers, and parents) to ensure that each of the four areas: Interpersonal Effectiveness, Intrapersonal Effectiveness, Postsecondary Planning and Career Readiness, Personal Health and Safety were addressed throughout the school year. For example, the elective teachers used the program Character Strong to create a Raven Challenge every Friday in their classes.  Through the use of the Character Strong program the students learned about social emotional awareness, goals, and personal health and safety.  In addition, the elective teachers also highlighted the five components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills) through lessons in their classrooms during the EQ Week.  Below is the lessons they used.  

The whole campus was also encouraged to participate in a door decorating contest to highlight the five different components of emotional intelligence. The staff also participate in a SSMES Bingo to continue growing in their five domains of Emotional Intelligence. Furthermore, emotional intelligence was also promoted through the use of social media so parents could take part of highlighting these important components of the students overall well-being. Our administrators also facilitated a book study on the book Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman.  Our College and Career Advisor conducted various events and sessions for the students to support their postsecondary planning and career readiness.