COUNSELOR'S CORNER
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hemet Elementary staff is currently working from home. One-on-one counseling sessions and groups have been temporarily discontinued, however our school counselor Ms. Abella is still available to support scholars and families. Please visit Ms. Abella's Google Classroom page for social-emotional resources and optional assignments. Simply have your scholar log into his/her HUSD Google account and click on Google Classroom. You will be required to enter a class code. Ms. Abella's class code is wdlskud. A daily emotional check in form can be found on the Google Classroom page or completed by clicking here.
Currently, Ms. Abella may be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by leaving a voicemail at (951) 765-6130 ext 1403. Voicemails and e-mails will be returned within 24 hours. Current COVID-19 quarantine office hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1:30-2:30pm and Wednesday 2:00-3:00pm.
For academic resources, please visit HUSD's virtual learning page at hemetlearnstogether.org.
For family tips and activities for dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, please visit https://www.secondstep.org/covid19support.
If you or a loved one is having a mental health emergency, please call 911.
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Elementary school is an exciting time of learning and growing, and scholars are exploring many new emotions as they navigate this time in their lives. The school counselor is here to support all scholars at Hemet Elementary with emotional, academic and behavioral counseling and interventions. Explore this page to learn more about the school counseling program at Hemet Elementary!
WHY ELEMENTARY COUNSELORS?
According to the American School Counselor Association:
"The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/emotional skills in response to issues they face."
HEMET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
Scholars
may see the school counselor in a variety of arenas:
may see the school counselor in a variety of arenas:- Individual counseling -- This may be a one-time session when a scholar is having a particularly difficult day or dealing with an upsetting event. The school counselor may assist in developing coping strategies, teach calming techniques, or act as a soundboard when scholars need a listening ear. Individual counseling sessions may also happen on a regular basis to address specific academic, emotional, or behavioral concerns. If scholars need in-depth counseling or long term therapy, they may be referred to an outside agency or other mental health specialist for more intensive support.
- Group counseling --The school counselor runs small groups (4-8 scholars) on a variety of topics. Depending on the need of the school, these may include making friends, anger management, social skills, grief and loss, or handling divorce. Groups run for 6-8 weeks for approximately 30-45 minutes once a week.
- Classroom guidance -- Throughout the year, the school counselor prepares and teaches classroom guidance lessons that are specifically targeted for each grade level. Topics may include behavior, working with others, mindfulness, college and career readiness, and others.
Other components of the school counseling program include supporting teaching and learning, implementing and participating in systems of support, and fostering a positive school culture and climate in which all scholars can thrive.
RESOURCES
Elementary school students are growing, learning, and changing by leaps and bounds daily. What was the norm only a week or two ago can change in an instant. Keep up with the changes and learn to better support your student by clicking on the articles below.
Increasing Self Confidence Following Directions Getting Ready For School In The Mornings When Your Child Feels Left Out Impulsive Behavior In Children When Your Child Is Bullied At School
Gifted Children Who Are Bored At School Supporting Your Perfectionist Child Making Friends At School
Growth Mindset When Your Child Refuses To Go To School Creating A Positive Parent/Teacher Relationship
ABOUT ME
My name is Lena Abella-Saunders and I am so excited to be a part of the Hemet Elementary family! I have been a school counselor for over 10 years, and have extensive experience working with children and families of all backgrounds. I have a passion for helping scholars unlock and understand their emotions, as well as become the best people they can be. I am eager to support Hemet Elementary families in any way I can.
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CONTACT
To discuss a concern about your scholar, please leave a message at 951.765.1630 ext 1403 or send me an e-mail at [email protected]
You may also complete a mental health check-in form with specific concerns about your scholar by clicking here.
I would love to hear what you would like to see at our school! Please click here to complete a short survey about school-wide concerns you would like to see addressed.