Alisal School Counseling

It is my mission, as a school counselor, to provide a comprehensive counseling program that is formulated to ensure the success of ALL students in academic, career, personal and social development in order to prepare them for the 21st century.

The Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) elementary counseling program is preventative in nature, and thus we provide different counseling services to meet the needs of ALL students.   

** If you are interested in counseling support, please complete the Counseling Support Request Form.**

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE LESSONS (TIER 1 of MTSS)

Throughout the year, all students will have access to counseling curriculum through counseling guidance lessons.  A communication will always be sent home to let parents know that the counselor has visited their child's classroom.  The communication home will include information about the lesson that was presented, as well as some follow up steps that might be helpful for at home.

All students at each grade level (TK-5) will receive a welcome lesson from the school counselor during the first few weeks of school and an age-appropriate lesson in each of the ASCA domains (college & career, presonal/social and academic) per the PUSD's Counseling Master Plan (CMP) through out the year.  Kindergarten will also receive two additional lessons about People Safety and Body Safety.

LUNCH BUNCH (TIER 1 of MTSS)

All students have access to participate in a supervised social group at lunch 2 times each week (Mondays & Fridays during lower and upper grade lunch recess)  This is a valuable opportunity for students to meet and make connections with other students, as well as to experience social skills modeling and support. 

SMALL GROUP COUNSELING (TIER 2 of MTSS)

As part of the comprehensive counseling program, small group counseling sessions are offered for those students who are needing extra support in academic and/or personal social development.  Group counseling is a positive way for students who share common difficulties to learn from one another, as well as the group  facilitator, in a safe environment.  Sessions are typically 30 minutes long, run for 8-10 weeks and consist of 3-6 students per group.  Sessions focus on assisting children in exploring and expressing feelings, problem solving, goal setting, making good choices, acquiring coping skills and enhancing self-esteem.  Group topics may include:

• self-esteem 

• friendship skills

• social skills

• grief

• family changes

• managing emotions

• anger management

• worry/anxiety

• self-control/impulsivity

Typically students are referred to counseling by administrators and teachers, however parents are welcome  to refer their child for a check in with the counselor.  If you would like to refer your child to counseling, please complete a referral form and submit it to the school counselor through the main office or your child's teacher. {Please see above for the form link.}

Please keep in mind that students are selected for groups based on need and referral, and a group setting is not always appropriate for every student.  Students will be selected for groups based on need and referral.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING (TIER 3 of MTSS)

Due to the nature of school counseling and the school schedule, continuous individual counseling for students is not offered at this time.  However, if you would  like your child to meet with the school counselor for a  "check-in" or meeting regarding a specific issue please contact me so we can discuss further options and possibly schedule a time for a meeting.

MENTOR PROGRAM (TIER 2 of MTSS)

Selected students are referred to participate in this mentorship opportunity with high school child development students, who act as Mentors (similar to “Big Brothers and Big Sisters”).   Students who lack connection to school, exhibit difficulties with social relationships, or who have low self-esteem benefit from the individualized attention, social skills modeling & practice, and unconditional positive regard offered them by these mentorship relationships. 

CRISIS COUNSELING & EMERGENCY SERVICES (TIER 3 of MTSS)

District Social Support:  We have the ability to provide support to families in need by confidentially connecting them with our district social workers and parent liaisons, who are able to assist them in acquiring resources for basic needs (housing, health care, child care, clothing and food).  On campus, we also are able to provide students with extra food and some additional needed resources. Please check with the counselor for further assistance.  

DayBreak Health:  PUSD has made an agreement with Daybreak Health (Informational letter), which is an online resource  that provides online/teletherapy for students ages 10 and over, AND Family teletherapy for students ages 5-12 years.  School counselors can make a referral for you or you can CLICK HERE to make your own referral. 

Child Protective Services: 

For concerns of suspected child abuse or neglect, please call the Alameda County Child Abuse Hotline at 510-259-1800

Suicide Prevention Guidelines:

For concerns of suspected self-harm or suicidal intention, please refer child immediately to the counselor or school psychologist, and refer to our guidelines for support: The Teacher's Guide to Responding to Suicide Prevention 

(a document for teachers to keep on hand)