We are dedicated to empowering every student to achieve academic success and social/emotional growth. We are an extension of your student's team of teachers and assist students and staff when concerns or issues arise during the day, whether it be socially, emotionally or academically. It is not uncommon for us to have conversations with many students throughout a school day. If your student mentions that a school counselor or social worker has met with him/her, please feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. If there is a situation where your student is involved and we feel it's important to communicate with you about the situation, please be assured we will contact you.
DIRECT STUDENT SERVICES:
Responsive Services
Individual & Group Counseling: we help students overcome issues impeding achievement or success. Counseling is short-term in nature. School Counselors and School Social Workers do not provide therapy or long-term counseling. We are prepared to recognize and respond to mental health crises and to address these barriers by offering education and prevention in short-term intervention until the student is connected with available community resources.
Crisis Response: we provide support and assistance to students as they navigate critical and emergency situations.
INDIRECT STUDENT SERVICES:
Referrals
Academic support programs, personal/social support, mental health/community resources.
Consultation
We are student advocates who promote academic, career, and personal/social development. We use consultation to receive information on student needs and to identify strategies that promote student achievement.
Collaboration
We work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement and advocate for equity and access for all students through collaboration.
CONFIDENTIALITY GUIDELINES:
Our team is committed to respecting the rights of confidentiality entitled to each person in the counselor/social worker --student relationship. However, there are certain circumstances mandated by law in which information must be provided by the counselor to other parties. These circumstances are stated below:
If the counselor/social worker has reason to believe the student is in danger of harming himself/herself or others.
If the student reveals information indicating another person(s) is in danger of harming himself/herself or others.
If the student has been, or is currently, a victim or perpetrator of physical or sexual abuse or a perpetrator of vulnerable adult abuse.
If the student and/or parent or legal guardian formally requests a release of information to a health professional outside of the school setting.
If a court orders a release of information.
If the student gives us permission to share.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns at the information provided below:
Aliina Peterson, Social Worker: apeterson@isd721.org or by phone at 952-758-1428.
Maria Willner, Counselor (all 8th grade houses & 7D): mwillner@isd721.org or by phone at 952-758-1451.
Julie Holgate, Counselor (all 6th grade houses & 7E & 7F): jholgate@isd721.org or by phone at 952-758-1412.