School-Based Counseling

Empowers students for the future.

At Brown Elementary School

2025-2026

ASCA Statement on White House Executive Order "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling"

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has issued a statement to guide parents and stakeholders in understanding the implications of this executive order. The statement was posted on the ASCA website and emailed to all ASCA members on January 30, 2025, to provide support and guidance.

For more detailed information, you can access the ASCA's statement directly on their website or click on the letter in the left column to read it.

GET THE FACTS. Click here to learn more about what school counselors do.

If you have further questions or need additional support, please feel free to reach out to our school's counseling department.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

UNDERSTANDING THE HEART AND MOTIVATIONS OF SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)? >>>

Evidence for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools - National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments
Research Finds Social-Emotional Learning Produces Significant Benefits for Students - Yale School of Medicine
The Truth About SEL? It Works - National Education Association
Social-Emotional Learning, Both Facts and Feelings - Harvard Political Review, 2022
SEL Policy at the Federal Level - Collaboration for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

“But feelings can’t be ignored, no matter how unjust or ungrateful they seem.” – Anne Frank

Welcome to School-Based Counseling

for Elementary Students

Our goal is to help prepare students to be

College, Career, and Community ready!

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Explore the website to learn how vital elementary school counseling is for students and their

"development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being"

with Brown School Counselor Julie Von Berckefeldt (Dr. V)

School Counseling at Brown Elementary focuses on providing short-term (6-8 weeks) skill-building support to students through individual sessions and small groups, as well as, through classroom lessons and school-wide activities in the following three domains:

ACADEMIC

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL

COLLEGE / CAREER

ACADEMIC

Improve school attendance
Follow school and classroom expectations
Improve learning and work habits/skills
Solve problems
Be successful in school

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL

Manage emotions and behavior
Strengthen healthy expression of feelings
How to make new friends and keep good ones
Resolve conflicts with civility
Develop positive character traits
Respect the differences of others
Develop healthy self-esteem (including body image)

COLLEGE / CAREER

Discover strengths & interests
Identify career options
Explore college and trade-school/training pathways
Set feasible goals for the future

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

What Stuck?

Students made the following comments when I asked, "What stuck with you during our talk that you will do in your situation?":

"Take 5 slow deep breaths." - 1st grader
"Get a drink of water to give myself a break." - 5th grader
"Use a timer and let myself worry just for a limited amount of time each day. Make a list of what I can do to change the situation (if anything)." - 5th grader
"Give myself time to heal." - 6th grader
"Talk to an adult I trust when I feel overwhelmed with strong emotions." - 6th grader
"Think of my happy place." - 3rd grader
"Ask for help." - 6th grader
"Walk away to cool down." - 2nd grader
"Zip it when it's time to be quiet." - 4th grader
"That was me and [classmate]. He isn't supposed to be in my personal space like the video told us. I will tell him to give me personal space." - Kinder after he watched a video of two animated children discussing personal space.

Hint: These tips work for adults too!

"Find someone else to play with." - 4th grader

Welcome New Bobcat!

New students in 4th-6th grade are invited to come and join a "Welcome Bobcat!" small group (cohort) that meets on Mondays (for 3-4 weeks) at 2:00 pm in Ms. V's office.

Sessions will cover the following topics:

School-Wide Expectations / PAW Tour
Tips for Student Success
How to Make New Friends & Resolve Conflicts
Calming and Coping Strategies

Starting in October 2024, new cohorts will begin at the start of each month.

See Dr. V to join!

Top 10 Actions to Help Your Student Succeed!

About Brown School Counselor

Julie A. Von Berckefeldt (Dr. V)

Education: Dr. V is an alumna of Hilmar Unified School District; earned an A.A. from Merced College; B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Merced; and an M.A. in Counseling (Counselor Education) and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from California State University, Stanislaus. Recently, received an Ed.D. in Educatioanl Leadership from California State University, Stanislaus (May 2026).

Professional Philosophy: Ms. V's professional philosophy is deeply rooted in the Human-Centered Leadership Theory (see characteristics).

Enjoys: Swimming, taking walks at sunset, listening to the soothing sounds of crickets and owl hoots on quiet summer nights in the country, gardening in the fresh morning air, tent camping by the water, and cherishing quiet, intimate moments with a cup of coffee and heartfelt conversations with loved ones who resonate deeply with her heart and mind.

Favorite Stress-Smart Strategies: Watching funny movies, graphic design, exercising, journaling, reading, Candy Crush (level 1702), and talking things out with a trusted friend.

Best day ever: Family dinners and hanging out with her four children and their families.

Favorite quote: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." ~ Walt Disney