Counselor's Corner
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A Note to Students, Parents, and Families...
We are currently in an unprecedented situation that has challenged us in many ways. Emotionally, we may be feeling anxious, worried, upset, happy, etc. Physically, we may feel restless, tired, or more well-rested. Whatever it is that YOU are going through, I want you to know that it is OK to feel that way and it is 100% valid to feel whatever it is you are feeling.
I am here to provide you with resources such as relaxation techniques, in person and virtual meetings with me if needed.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or questions you may have about my services. I am here to support you and your child with any social, emotional and academic issues during the school year.
COUNSELING ROOM
Virtual Counseling Room
Click here to visit Ms. Victa's virtual counseling office!WAYS TO HELP WORRIED CHILDREN
Vision StatementThe Capistrano Unified School District School Counseling Program strives to provide opportunities so that every student will acquire the social-emotional, academic, and career skills to reach their fullest educational potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others.
Mission Statement
The mission of Capistrano Unified School District School Counselors is to provide a comprehensive counseling program that supports the whole child. School Counselors will focus on the needs, interests and issues related to social-emotional, academic, and career development of all students through a multi-tiered system of support. School Counselors will advocate, collaborate and facilitate actions that promote a positive school climate, provide an opportunity for all students to access their education and achieve personal and academic success to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR BELIEFS
I believe school counselors have a responsibility to educate, advocate for, and motivate students from all backgrounds and abilities. I believe all students are capable of achieving their goals if given the opportunity. I believe school counselors should consult and collaborate with teachers, parents, and staff in order to create the most effective plan to help a student thrive. I believe school counselors have the unique role of helping students achieve educational and personal success by guiding them in the domains of academic, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development
School-Wide Preventions Goal: Ensure all students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills that will lead to behaviors that support academic achievement and social-emotional well-being.
WHAT IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING?
WHAT IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING?![]()
WHAT IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING?
- Recognizing emotions in oneself and others
- Managing strong emotions
- Having empathy for others
- Controlling impulses
- Communicating clearly and assertively
- Maintaining cooperative relationships
- Making responsible decisions
- Solving problems effectively
Second Step lessons for elementary grades include:
- Listening & Focusing Attention
- Respect, Empathy, & Compassion
- Identifying Feelings
- Emotion Management & Calming Down
- Problem Solving
Want more information on Second Step? Below are activation keys you can use at secondstep.org to create an account to watch videos about the Second Step Program and get information about what your student is learning! click here.
Kindergarten: SSPK FAMI LY70
1st Grade: SSP1 FAMI LY71
2nd Grade: SSP2 FAMI LY72
3rd Grade: SSP3 FAMI LY73
4th Grade: SSP4 FAMI LY74
5th Grade: SSP5 FAMI LY75
If you are interested in learning how to connect Second Step at home and implement the concepts in the home setting, please click on the following link: Second Step Home Links.
*Please note that not all lessons have home links.
HOW TO REACH THE COUNSELOR
If you would like to speak with me, let your teacher know so we can schedule a meeting. I am here the following days and times:
Mondays through Fridays
MY ROLE AS A THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR IS TO SUPPORT YOU WITH . . .
- Social, Emotional & Academic Support Groups
- Short term Individual Counseling
- Issues with Friends & Family
- Academic Concerns, feeling overwhelmed, time management.
- Classroom Lessons
- Student Workshops
- School Wide Programs: College and Career, Kindness Week, Test Taking Tips plus more
- Conflict Mediations
MY BACKGROUND
- I have worked as a school counselor for 20 years
- I have been a School Counselor at every level
- I am bilingual and speak Spanish
- My education consist of: -- A Pupil Personnel Credential from Cal State Long Beach - M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University - B.A. in Social Ecology from UCI
- Worked as a Victim/Witness Specialist at the courts helping victims of crime for 7 1/2 years
- Worked as a therapist in Santa Ana for 71/2 years
RAMP - RECOGNIZED ASCA MODEL PROGRAM
In 2019 the American School Counselor Association Conference in Boston had 31 states represented, 71 schools were awarded the RAMP designation including 7 California schools.
Hidden Hills Elementary was among the 1st Elementary Schools in California to receive the RAMP designation. It was a pleasure to drive Hidden Hills Elementary to the next level. I showed my administrators, school board and the community at large that I was committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program by becoming a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP).