SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES
SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES
School counselors and social workers are vital members of the education team found in each of the buildings of the Ontario School District. Through the implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs, school counselors and social workers assist the academic achievement, career and social emotional development of every student in the Ontario School District.
School counselors provide short-term individual, crisis, and group counseling, academic support as well as social emotional lessons. School counselors and social workers help connect students and their families to a variety of community resources. Counselors and social workers serve as advocates for students on a variety of teams and committees and act as 504 coordinators. 504/ADA resources.
Each school counselor or school social worker is licensed through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission in the State of Oregon. The minimum education requirement for this license is a master’s degree in school counseling or social work. While some may hold a restricted license, any staff working towards a master’s degree is supported throughout their program by a licensed counselor.
Mental Health: The Ontario School District collaborates with community behavioral health agencies to support the mental health of students. These services are provided within the school setting at the elementary, middle and the high school.
Drug and Alcohol Services: Drug and alcohol services are also available to students at the middle school and high school.
Community Mental Health Partnerships
Mental Health: Lifeways Inc. Referral Form
Mental Health: Insight Counseling. Referral form
Drug and Alcohol: Altruistic Recovery. Contact
Prevention programs and curriculums such as Toolbox, Character Traits, Sources of Strength, Needs Assessments, Tigers Matter, Screening Brief Intervention, and Referral to Services, are provided throughout the school year with a focus to support student emotional and mental health.
District Social Emotional Curriculum: Wayfinder
Vision/Mission/Philosophy
The Ontario School District has aligned the counseling program to the American School Counseling Associations (ASCA) National Model. The mission and vision statements are aligned with the Oregon’s Department of Education Framework for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
Mission
The OSD Comprehensive School Counseling Program is an integral component of the district’s overall educational program. Professional school counselors will provide developmental and systematic support through a coordinated CSCP to ensure all students receive academic, career, social/emotional development, achievement, and support participation in the broader community. The CSCP will be proactive and preventative and will assist students to acquire critical skills for lifelong learning and success. The goal is that each student will leave the kindergarten through twelve-grade system with skills and knowledge to live, learn, work, and contribute in both local and global communities. The OSD Comprehensive School Counseling Program is an integral component of the district’s overall educational program. Professional school counselors will provide developmental and systematic support through a coordinated CSCP to ensure all students receive academic, career, social/emotional development, achievement, and support participation in the broader community. The CSCP will be proactive and preventative and will assist students to acquire critical skills for lifelong learning and success. The goal is that each student will leave the kindergarten through twelve-grade system with skills and knowledge to live, learn, work, and contribute in both local and global communities.
Vision
The Professional School counselors at the Ontario School District (OSD) are dedicated to empowering every student reach their maximum potential by using a comprehensive school counseling program. This is accomplished through strategic partnerships with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world in both local and global communities.
Philosophy
As professional school counselors and social workers of the Ontario School District, we believe:
All students are unique and should be treated with dignity and respect
Learning is a lifelong process and every student can succeed
Education is a responsibility shared by students, parents, staff and community
The diverse needs of all students must be addressed through the school counseling program
CSCP provides important benefits to individual students by addressing intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and psychological needs
The CSCP will use data to drive program development and evaluation
OSD counselors will personify the highest level of ethical behavior and follow the guidelines set forth by ASCA.
Students are valued, counselors will promote the growth and success of all students without bias to cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, special needs or academic differences
Jose Marquez, the Mental Health Supervisor, coordinates the district’s school counseling programs.
I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful educational community, and I am here to ensure that our students thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Background:
I am originally from the Salem area and earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon. Currently, I am pursuing my counseling degree at NNU, a journey that continues to shape my passion for helping young minds navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
My Commitment:
At the heart of my role as an elementary school counselor is a deep commitment to our students’ well-being and success. I believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and I aim to work closely with both students and parents to create a supportive learning environment for them.
Support Services:
I offer a range of services to ensure that every student receives the care and attention they deserve:
* Individual Sessions: I provide a safe and confidential space for one-on-one counseling sessions where students can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
* Classroom Guidance Lessons: Through engaging and age-appropriate lessons, I equip students with essential life skills.
* 504 Case Management: As the 504 case manager, I work diligently to ensure that students with special accommodations receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.
Our Journey Together:
As the K-1 counselor, my goal is to empower students to become confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals who are well-prepared for the future. Together with parents, teachers, and staff, we can build a strong support system that fosters the holistic development of our students.
I am here as a resource, advocate, and friend, ready to make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. Together, we can create an environment where every child can shine.
Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of supporting your child's journey.
My name is Ms. Heather and I would like to introduce myself to you as the School Counselor at Alameda. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education K-8 and a Master’s degree in Counseling. I am thrilled to be your school counselor! I look forward to working with you and your child this year, and I will make every effort to see that your child receives as much personal assistance as possible.
The School Counseling program at Alameda is based on the American School Counseling Association Model and our district standards. It includes a variety of services for ALL students and is designed to assist with interests and issues related to the stages of student growth in the areas of academic, career, personal, emotional, and social development. The following services will be offered for the 2023-2024 school year:
Small group counseling sessions, with parent permission, for students focusing on: divorce, grief, study skills, friendship/social skills, and anger management. If you feel that your child needs assistance in any of these areas please let me know.
Individual meetings to help students adjust to school or help with personal issues on an as-needed basis, with parent permission.
Classroom guidance lessons with emphasis on personal/social/emotional skills, bullying prevention, child protection, academic development (study skills), and career awareness. I see every class in the building weekly in classroom Guidance Lessons.
Referral assistance to other programs and services in the community.
If you have any questions regarding the counseling program, please contact me at Alameda 541-889-5497, or email me at hannis@ontario.k12.or.us . I look forward to working together with you this year to help ensure your child’s success in school and life in general. We are going to have a great year!