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Academic ~ College & Career ~ Social/Emotional
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." ~Albert Einstein
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." ~Albert Einstein
Welcome! My name is Melissa Kasso, and I'm happy to serve you as your school counselor. I have been an educator for over 25 years in various roles: middle school teacher, elementary school teacher, and currently a school counselor.
I enjoy working with students of all ages and backgrounds. Fostering equity and access in academic, college & career, and social/emotional development for all students is my passion! I strive to build on students' strengths so that each student feels empowered after working with me. School counselors provide services for ALL students through structured and developmental tier-one classroom guidance lessons. Additionally, we provide responsive services through small group lessons/counseling, and short-term individual counseling. School counselors use their expertise to provide system support for school staff and consultation for parents/guardians.
On a personal note, I'm a Camarillo resident. I attended Camarillo Heights and Monte Vista as a student many years ago. I'm a mom to two wonderful young men. My oldest is a firefighter in San Diego, and my youngest is a senior at California State University. Long Beach. My boys are products of the Pleasant Valley School District and our wonderful PVSD teachers.
I have two dogs. My oldest dog, Champ, is my "fur baby," and I love to come home to his happy face every day. In 2021, another dog joined my family, Mitch. Mitch is special because he is a certified school therapy and facility dog. He works with me at my assigned schools a few days a week. For more information about Mitch, you can read the letter sent to all families at the schools where Mitch works in August/September, or read the book I present to all students at the beginning of the school year.
Please feel free to reach out to me. I understand the challenges parents face. Raising children is hard work, and I welcome the opportunity to serve you in my role as a school counselor.
Sincerely,
Ms. Melissa Kasso
Professional School Counselormkasso@pleasantvalleysd.org (Students may email me at mkasso@pvsdcamarillo.org)Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School: 805-383-5355Camarillo Heights STEM Academy: 805-383-5305Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What does an Elementary School Counselor do?
A: Elementary school counselors work to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program focused on direct and indirect student services for ALL students. I do this through tiered program planning and implementation of classroom lessons, small groups, and short-term individual counseling.
Q: Can you provide my student with individual counseling?
A: I am happy to work with your student on a short-term basis. School counselors can provide short-term solution-focused counseling sessions to address life-changing events or unresolved challenges that impact the classroom. Individual counseling with me is brief and solution-focused in nature. I typically meet with a student for about 4-6 sessions. School counseling services are not a substitute for therapy. If your student needs therapy or other intensive services, I am happy to collaborate with you to help you find the support needed.
Q: Can my student be a part of a small group?
A: Possibly! Small groups are formed based on need, grade level scheduling, teacher recommendation, and individual student screening. If your student would be a good fit for a group I will be running, I will reach out to you.
Q: What’s the difference between the counselor and the principal?
A: The role of a principal is administrative and sometimes must deal with issues of student discipline. The school counselor's role should be restorative, supportive, and student-centered. It is not appropriate for school counselors to perform disciplinary actions or assign disciplinary consequences. School counselors are often hired under a teaching contract and so personnel concerns should be dealt with by an administrator.
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