Vision

As a counseling team, our vision is to ensure that every student at Desertaire Elementary from K-5th acquires equitable, career and college readiness, as well as the necessary social-emotional skills, in a nurturing and safe environment that fosters respect and self-efficacy, in order to reach their fullest educational potential, and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, well rounded, life-long learners, and productive citizens of society.

Mission

Our mission at Desertaire Elementary is to deliver a comprehensive counseling program for all students K-5th. As a counseling team and with the constant collaboration of our constituents and our learning community, we work arduously with all of our students to help them reach their full potential both social-emotionally and academically. Our goal is to provide each of them with the opportunity to be part of a counseling program geared towards the healthy development of self-efficacy and advocacy, academic preparedness, responsibility and accountability. We pride ourselves in ensuring that every individual involved in our children’s academic and social-emotional experience, demonstrates the love and relevance of being confident, life-long learners, by providing them with equitable opportunities to learn about their individual capacity to overcome real-world challenges, as well as career and college readiness.

The role of a school counselor, as outlined by the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) national model, encompasses various responsibilities to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. Here's a summary with bulleted points:

• Academic Guidance:

  • Assist students in developing academic goals and plans.

    Guide course selection and career pathways.

    Monitor and address academic progress and challenges.

• Social-Emotional Support:

  • Foster a positive school environment conducive to emotional well-being.

    Offer counseling services to address students' social and emotional concerns.

    Promote interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

• Career Development:

  • Facilitate exploration of career options and interests.

    Provide information on post-secondary education and career pathways.

    Assist in developing career-related skills and goals.

• Individual and Group Counseling:

  • Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to address personal challenges.

    Facilitate group counseling sessions for specific issues or concerns.

    Implement interventions to enhance students' social skills.

• Advocacy and Collaboration:

  • Advocate for students' needs within the school community.

    Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success.

    Play a key role in creating a positive and inclusive school culture.

• Crisis Intervention:

  • Provide immediate support and intervention during crises.

    Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address emergencies.

    Implement strategies to help students cope with traumatic events.

• Data Analysis and Assessment:

  • Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs.

    Analyze academic and behavioral trends to inform decision-making.

    Continuously evaluate and improve counseling services based on outcomes.