School Counselors: How We Can Help You

Mr. Xavier Casanova

W.I.S.D. Mission Statement

Mission of the Weslaco Independent School District The Mission of WISD, based on the Principles of growth, integrity, honesty, Human dignity and service, is to affirm individuality and interdependency as we: Facilitate the acquisition, and application of academic, career and technology expertise, Inspire lifelong learning Recognize and foster the creativity and talents of each unique individual Enkindle individual, social, civic; and global responsibility so that our students gain and develop the capacity to make sense of and positively shape the future.

Weslaco High School Mission

The mission of WHS is to ensure that all students graduate prepared to succeed in institutions of higher education and/or the career of their choice in a safe and caring environment.

Weslaco High School Beliefs

We believe that WHS will provide learning conditions in which all students have equitable opportunities to learn at high academic levels. We believe that all students will be provided sufficient time, high quality instruction and multiple opportunities for learning, in a highly supportive environment. We believe that family members/guardians are meaningful partners in a students educational experience. We believe that leadership opportunities will be extended to all stakeholders based on knowledge, demonstrated expertise, and willingness to influence. We believe that students will take an active role in their own educational success. We believe that students and staff will be provided a secure and nurturing learning environment. We believe strong, positive relationships (students, adults) will be encouraged and fostered.

Role of the School Counselor

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) (State) School Counseling Model

focus on academic, career, and personal/social development of ALL students with the primary objective of promoting and enhancing student learning

My goal, as school counselor, is to help ALL of our students be academically successful!

What is my training?

Master of Education in School Guidance and Counseling 36 hour program

Foundations of School Counseling Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques Human Growth and Development Measurement and Assessment Group Theories and Techniques Cross Cultural Counseling Research and Program Evaluation Developmental Guidance and Counseling Crisis Prevention and Intervention Professionalism, Ethics, and Law Career Development 160 hour Practicum and Internship

The Masters of Education in School Guidance and Counseling program at Lamar University is an intensive program which strives to prepare future school counselors as highly effective and professional school counselors.

So how can I (or we) help you?

Promoting Academics
Individual Counseling (at-risk students) Group Counseling (at-risk students) Classroom Guidance (prevention) Parent/Teacher Workshops

Study skills Test taking skills Organizational skills Creating a positive learning environment

Helpful Resources
http://www.ed.gov/ http://www.istation.com/ http://www.fafsa.gov/ http://applytexas.org/

Promoting Career Awareness

Individual Counseling Group Counseling Classroom Guidance Parent Workshops School-Wide Events

Awareness Interest inventories College admissions Career fair

Addressing Personal/Social Needs

Individual Counseling Group Counseling Classroom Guidance Parent/Teacher Workshops School-Wide Events

Anxiety, depression Bullying, violence Divorce, grief

Personal and Social Resources

Hidalgo County Health and Human Resources http://hchd.org/weslacoclinic.html AVANCE http://www.avancergv.org/ Mujeres Unidas / Women Together http://www.mujeresunidas.org/

Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

Prevention Services
Classroom Guidance School-Wide Events

Intervention Services
Individual Counseling Group Counseling

Support Services

Parent Workshops Teacher Workshops

Importance of CSCP for Students Numerous research studies have demonstrated that students in
schools with a comprehensive school counseling program benefit in the following ways:

Academically
Higher grades Better prepared for future Higher test scores Reduction of classroom disturbances due to behavior

Career
Increased college attendance Understanding the relevance of education

Personal/Social
Prevention of suicide Decreased disciplinary concerns Reduction of bullying and aggressive behaviors Improvement of student/teacher and student/ parent relationships

Lets Work Together

Texas Statutes and Education Code

Texas Education Code, 33.006 Duties of a School Counselor Texas Education Code, 21.356 Evaluation of School Counselors Texas Education Code, 21.203 Employment Policies for School Counselors

For more information, go to: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/couseling_jo b_desc.html

Lets Work Together

All stakeholders (counselors, teacher, administrators) working together for the betterment of every student. By refocusing our efforts on helping our school and district meet our goals, the school counseling program looks forward to developing and implementing prevention, intervention, and support services designed for our schools needs!

Action Plan

Providing students with the resources needed to have a successful future. Individual & Group Counseling
Describe the issues that will be focused on here

Classroom Guidance
Describe classroom unit themes

Action Plan

Teacher Workshop

Family Advocacy System Integrating Guidance Lessons

Parent Workshops
Financial Aid Night The 24/7 Learner

School-Wide Events
Fish Camp FAS Fair

Working together, we can all help our students be successful!

Developed with the help of

Dr. Kimberly R. Hall, MCA Advocacy Co-Chair & Associate Professor

MSU Students
Holly Morgan Sarah OBrien Rachel Owens Kelly Roberts Brittany Rowe Chelsey Rushing Maria Schoen Brittany Steer Megan Stone Chris Turner Paul Young

Jeri Lynn Rushing, MCA Advocacy Co-Chair & School Counselor

MSU Students in School Counseling:
Whitney Alford Courtney Allen Rachael Ammons Beth Benson Emily Cayson Joe Evans Reginald Gandy Chaiqua Harris Chris Johnston Michael Keeton

Jessica Hubbard, School Counselor & 2013 MSCA President Cherie Maynard, Administrator Dr. Cheryl Justice, Assistant Professor