The school counselor plays a vital role in helping students navigate their social and emotional well-being while celebrating each student’s individuality and strengths. They provide in class lessons, individual and group counseling sessions, and help students develop essential life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and self-advocacy. Our school counselors also support students, families, and the school community by providing resources and guidance on various topics related to course selection, college, and career readiness.

The school psychologist focuses on assessing and addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. They conduct evaluations to identify learning challenges, provide interventions for behavioral concerns, and collaborate with teachers and parents to develop individualized plans to support student success. Our school psychologists also play a crucial role in promoting positive school climate and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance student well-being.

The school social worker is an integral part of our mental health team, working closely with students, families, and community resources. They provide support and resources to families in need, connect students with external services, and advocate for students' social and emotional needs. Our school social worker also collaborates with teachers and staff to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

We are thrilled to introduce an exciting addition to our school’s commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for our students. This academic year, as part of our strategic plan, we have integrated CharacterStrong into our school culture - providing a foundation for social-emotional learning, character development and community building.

CharacterStrong is a nationally recognized program that aligns with our school’s mission to prepare students for both academic and life success. We aim to foster empathy, resilience, and the development of strong character traits in our students by equipping them with the skills they need to thrive.

Why CharacterStrong Matters

CharacterStrong is more than just another program; it’s a philosophy that recognizes the importance of emotional intelligence, ethics and social skills in a student’s overall growth and well-being. Engaging students in this work routinely aims to support the following:

• Enhanced Relationships: Building strong, positive connections with teachers and peers contributes to a more supportive and inclusive school culture.

• Improved Academic Performance: Research shows students who engage in social-emotional learning programs like CharacterStrong tend to perform better academically.

• Emotional Resilience: CharacterStrong equips students with the tools to cope with life’s challenges, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

• Preparation for the Real World: The skills learned through CharacterStrong are essential for success in college, careers and life beyond the classroom.

The world is changing quickly, and we want to do everything we can to help students be successful in school and life. CharacterStrong teaches skills that will support just that! We believe students should have safe and predictable places to learn where they feel included. Students should have healthy and helpful connections with teachers and classmates. They should also experience learning that will help them tackle challenges inside and outside of school. CharacterStrong is more than a set of lessons, it is a partnership between schools and families to create a place where students feel like they belong and learn skills that will help them be the best they can be!

In just a few short weeks, we are already seeing the positive impact of CharacterStrong in our school. It is a journey toward building stronger individuals and the school community. We are excited to embark on this with you and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our students’ lives.

For more information, visit the CharacterStrong website.

**We do not endorse these providers, but rather share them with you as community resources that you may find helpful.

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