Classroom Instruction

The classroom instruction curriculum provides engaging, interactive, and developmentally appropriate lessons that enhance the social, emotional, and academic learning of all students. School Counselors will present one 30 minute lesson per month to each class on topics such as problem-solving, executive functioning, healthy friendships, bullying prevention, and career exploration. Lessons are evaluated each year based on the needs of a particular class and/or grade level. Classroom lessons are focused on cultivating IB Approaches to Learning skills and Learner Profile Attributes. 

You can track the scope and sequence of the SWES counseling classroom curriculum here

Small Groups aka "Lunch Bunches"

Lunch bunches (held during lunch in the counselor's office) are designed to empower students who need a little extra support with social skills, emotional regulation, and/or in connecting with peers (new students are often referred, for example). The goal is to increase students' integration into the school community and develop skills that allow them to successfully participate in academic and social activities at school. Sometimes I also include students who can be peer models of those skills, help create a healthy group dynamic, and broaden peer connections. 

 A typical "lunch bunch" looks like students eating lunch while I guide a planned discussion topic (e.g. "what animal is most like you and why?", "if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?"). As students finish lunch, we move on to a game or activity. For instance, we may play a cooperative board game while I model and reinforce social skills, or do an arts and crafts activity such as choosing beads that remind us of people/places/things that make us happy and making a calming fidget toy with them.  We meet once per week for 6-8 weeks (depending on our start time and breaks). We always end with a strengths-building and affirmation activity.

Lunch bunches are available for students through teacher, parent, or self referral. In the case of a teacher or student referral, I will contact you to discuss potential placement, at which point you can decide whether or not you would like your child to participate. You can also contact me to discuss referring your child. 

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​Individual Support

School Counselors are available to see all students individually who need help through moments of crisis and conflict at school.  However, school counselors are not therapists and should not take the place of therapy if you feel that is a need for your child. The goal of a school counseling individual meeting is a brief, solution-focused intervention (such as guiding through calming strategies or teaching conflict resolution skills) that will get the student back to learning as soon as possible.  If I feel a student may be in need of the next tier of school counseling support (consistent check-ins to target a problem that is disrupting learning, a small group, a community or high school mentor, etc) I will reach out to you to discuss and get parent permission. 

Consultation and Referrals

School Counselors are available for consult with teachers, parents, and staff regarding behavior, academic, and social, and emotional concerns.  We can also make referrals to the social worker, therapists, and psychiatrists who partner with our district. We have two social workers who serve students and families within the Westwood learning community, and we also partner with a service called TCHATT, which provides virtual therapy and psychiatric services to students and families. While school counselors aren't able to refer students to specific therapists at private practices (besides our social workers and TCHATT providers), we have listed a variety of community resources under the resources section of this website, and are happy to help in your search for an outside mental health provider in any way we are able.

Mentors and PALs

School Counselors help coordinate both Westwood PALs (Peers Assisting and Leading) as well as STARS Mentors from the surrounding community to come in and mentor students on a weekly basis. Students are referred by parents and teachers and will be assigned a mentor as soon as a match can be made. Please contact Mrs. Kentopp if you feel that your child would benefit from having a PAL or STARS Mentor.

Help with Basic Needs

We know a student cannot learn if basic needs are not met, and we want every student to be able to fully participate in school events. With the help of PTA and community partners such as Hope Austin, the School Counseling department is able to provide weekend food packs, snacks while at school, free backpacks and school supplies, free yearbooks, $10 book fair vouchers, free carnival tickets, field trip cost assistance (including the 5th grade overnight trip), and holiday meal/gift assistance to families in need within our community. Please reach out if there is another school expense you need help covering, and I will do my best to help. If you have another financial need outside of school (housing, medical, etc) please reach out and I will refer you to one of our social workers. They are amazing at getting families resources and assistance directly, or connecting you to the appropriate community providers.

College and Career Readiness

It is important, even at an early age, that children be exposed to a variety of career options and possibilities, presented in a manner that is engaging and developmentally appropriate.  We will offer various events throughout the year designed to peak children's curiosity and excitement about life after high school, and to empower them to develop their strengths and interests while connecting that to future educational and career choices. 

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Middle School Transition

Transitioning to Middle School can be a time of stress and uncertainty for students and their families, but School Counselors can help to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. We will be coordinating efforts with Canyon Vista to communicate all upcoming transition events (typically starting in January) and processes. We will also be in contact with students not attending Canyon Vista to ensure families receive the correct choice sheets and transition information. 

Student Services Coordination

School Counselors also have a variety of other duties at a school. I am also the SEL Coordinator (oversee and coordinate teacher-led Second Step SEL lessons), the At-Risk Student Coordinator (tracking/documenting at-risk factors in students), the FiT (Families in Transition) Coordinator, the LPAC (Language Proficiency Assessment Committee) Chair, the TELPAS/LAS Links (English proficiency tests) Assessor, the EFA (Exam for Acceleration) Testing Coordinator and Assessor, and the Co-Campus STAAR Testing Coordinator. This means you may hear from me regarding language proficiency testing and ESL services, STAAR testing, acceleration testing (this is to skip a grade, not related to TAG), or FiT services. Please note that at elementary schools in RRISD, counselors are not involved in TAG testing or service coordination. Our TAG specialists are Amy Mitchell and Madison Lucas.