COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

To ensure that all students strengthen their intrapersonal & interpersonal effectiveness, the McAllen High School counselors collaborate with key stakeholders to include students, teachers, administrative staff, parents, alumnus, local business and social service providers. These partnerships are vital not just in shaping the academic intelligence, but the values and emotional intelligence as well. With a broad range of community members engaged in a team effort the possibilities of each of our students reaching their educational goals are endless. McAllen High School counselors believe the greatest stakeholders are our students, for they are the active learners. Though each stakeholder comes to the table with their distinctive experiences and perspective, all decisions center on creating the best conditions for our students to thrive in the present and in the future.

Our Emotional Intelligence program developed a series of lessons, based on the EQ curriculum, that specifically targets interpersonal and intrapersonal skills needed for our students and staff members. These lessons include writing prompts, emotional intelligence challenges to address self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Quick family activities are also sent home with students to help promote quality time spent, build stronger relationships within the family and to further embrace the Emotional Intelligence culture and lessons.

Counselor's Collaboration with all Stakeholders

It's more important than ever for schools and communities to prioritize the Health and Safety of students, staff and families. Thanks to increased access to COVID 19 vaccines for adults and students, scientifically proven virus prevention strategies and vital federal resources, our schools have safely reopened for in-person learning. To continue to promote personal Health & Safety at McAllen High School, we continue to monitor community transmission, vaccination coverage, screening testing and the occurrence of outbreaks to guide decision on layered prevention strategies.

Without a doubt, the most pressing issue in schools today is safety. At McAllen High School, we pride ourselves in prioritizing safety at all times by conducting monthly school safety drills, constantly assessing campus safety protocols, securing the school before, during and after school and tracking down any threat. Our McAllen High School students, staff and community have been trained & educated on our safety concern protocol, which helps to reinforce the message that we are all responsible for the safety of our school. We believe that by creating a school culture where every student feels connected to their peers, cared for by an adult in the school and valued as an integral member of the community, this keeps our McAllen High School and District safe.

Superintendent Message: McAllen ISD is working hard right now to ensure your child will continue to have the best educational opportunities plus access to a safe school environment this fall. In fact, we are focused right now on every facet of education that impacts children. Key areas such as academics, security, wellness, extracurricular activities, and even higher-order thinking skills that address emotional intelligence have been identified. This campaign is called The Champion Project @McAllenISD. Feel free to review the videos below that will help you become familiar with our campaign.

COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

McAllen Independent School District monitors the heartbeat of its community and is committed to maintain a healthy pulse within the areas of Wellness and Mental Health. Every family that enrolls in our school district is given an opportunity to thrive under the guidance of school staff and community mental health partners. Increasing access to mental health services is not a stance our school district takes lightly. We are actively pursuing new methods to ensure we are providing the best possible service within the areas of Wellness and Mental Health. Through community partnerships, we have created a system that expedites mental health services in order to overcome whatever traumatic life events our families encounter. This page is dedicated to the constant struggle parents encounter when the stigma of mental health takes its toll on the family dynamic. It is our firm belief that we can overcome the stigma of a mental health diagnosis through awareness and training. Through it all, understand that McAllen ISD’s model is simple but effective—all services need to meet the student at the school campus because that is where we can monitor a mentally healthy heartbeat.

COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

The College Admission & Scholarship Specialist, College & Career Specialist, and Career & Technical Counselors fulfill the mission of McAllen High School, playing the critical role of planner, counselor and information liaison between parents, students, teachers and administration in the areas of college and career planning.

Our College & Career Specialist works closely with 9th -11th grade students, assisting with TSI assessments and tutorials, College and Career Presentations, college checklists by grade levels, resume writing, college essays, summer programs and extracurricular activates. They review the students' academic qualifications and discuss necessary information regarding the college entrance process, career paths and scholarships.

Our College Admissions & Scholarship Specialist works closely with 12th grade students, assisting with Individualized, small group and whole group presentations on college admissions, financial Aid, college/university programs, military, scholarships and documentation needed. Details and processes are reviewed to ensure students comply with all college/university, financial aid and scholarship requirements. These details include information about college entrance examinations and various financial support options like scholarships and student loans. Various College Application, Financial Aid and Scholarship drives are conducted throughout the school year to ensure all students and parents are guided within the career path chosen.

Our Career & Technical Education (CTE) Counselor ensures that all 9th - 12 grade students are given information on certification programs offered within our campus and district. The CTE counselor also works closely with students and their families, as well as CTE programs, to consistently place students within their desired career paths.

Reference:

The Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Program. Texas Counseling Association, 2018.