Counseling

Class Counseling Lessons - Each class receives counseling lessons twice a month. These lessons include topics such as: problem-solving skills, friendship building, kindness, diversity, bullying, internet safety, study skills, social interactions, character building, mindfulness, coping skills, and many others. 

Small-Group Counseling - These groups are for students that can use some additional small group assistance. Groups form based on the type of needs. Examples include: Positive People, Friendship Circle, Relaxation & Learning, Kinder Friends, Self Control, and Managing Big Emotions. These groups usually meet for 30 minutes, 1 day a week, for 6-8 weeks. Groups form in collaboration with teachers and families. 

Individual Counseling - School counselors do not provide “therapy”. However, in times of crisis or concern, the counselor will meet with students individually to provide additional support or to help students solve bigger problems. 

Other roles for the counselor include:  

• 504 Site Coordinator
• McKinney-Vento Site Coordinator (helping homeless students overcome obstacles and barriers to receiving an education and to assist families with social service needs)
• PBIS Committee Member  (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
• CST (Child Success Team)

Our school counselors support student achievement in a variety of ways: 

• Teaching classroom counseling lessons in the academic, career, and personal/social domains.
• Conducting small groups to help students reach personal goals in reducing stress/anxiety, managing anger, making friends, coping effectively with changes, building self-esteem, and promoting responsible behaviors.
• Providing crisis counseling as needed.
• Helping families locate community resources.
• Planning with students, teachers and parents to help students learn.

Classroom Guidance Topics:  

• Diversity/Tolerance
• Friendship Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Bully Prevention
• Feelings
• Listening skills
• Career Exploration
• Goal Setting
• Anger Management
• Personal Responsibility
• Stress Reduction
• Safe Reporting
• Test Taking Strategies
• Self Esteem Building

Counseling small groups are a part of Marana Unified School District’s School Counseling Program. The general goals of the small counseling groups are (1) to help students learn effective communication skills, (2) to help students learn valuable coping skills, (3) to help students recognize how feelings and behaviors are related to academic performance, and (4) to provide an opportunity for children to help each other through sharing feelings and experiences in a safe environment.  

Counseling groups take place during the school day, once a week, for approximately 30 minutes. Groups are formed based on student needs. Groups typically have five to eight students participating at one time.  If there are not enough children for a particular group, the group will either be postponed or will not be offered. Not all students benefit from a small group setting, and therefore, may not be able to participate.  School counseling groups do not replace outside counseling services.  The school counselor offers support, not therapy. If you feel your child would benefit from therapy, you can contact our school counselor for help locating outside agencies. 

If you are interested in having your child participate in a counseling group, please request a Student Information/Parent Permission Form and return it to your child's teacher or directly to the counselor. You know your child best, so any information you can provide will assist in better meeting the needs of your child.

Kelso’s Choice is a conflict resolution curriculum that has been taught in every elementary class in MUSD. Students learn about the wheel of 9 choices to help solve small problems they may have with other students. When a student has a small problem where they may feel a little sad or mad, a student tries 2 Kelso’s Choices to solve their small problem.  If the problem is not resolved after two attempts, then it becomes a BIG problem.  A BIG problem is one that students should ask an adult for help to solve. 

If a student can answer "Yes" to the following questions, then it is a BIG problem.

1. Is someone in danger?
2. Is someone hurt or going to get hurt?
3. Did you already try to solve the problem?

For BIG problems, a student needs to tell a trusted adult right away. However, if the answer is “No”, they can try 2 of Kelso's choices to solve the problem themselves.

Next time when a student has a small problem, adults can help empower students by asking a student, “Have you tried 2 of Kelso’s Choices?”  This will help students to become independent to solve their own small problems.  Students also learn when it’s appropriate to ask an adult for help.  We find that by teaching students the life skills needed to resolve their own problems, they are empowered for LIFE with valuable tools they’ll need in middle school, on a job, or in a family.

Parents, please remember to ask, “Have you tried 2 of Kelso’s Choices?” before you become involved in small problems. 

School Counselor Qualifications
School counselors hold a Master's degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university as well as school counselor certification from the AZ Department of Education.
 
School Counselor Responsibilities
By utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, school counselors promote student academic success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students. The roles and responsibilities of the MUSD Professional School Counselor include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and deliver the school counseling curriculum
• Assist students in the areas of academic, social/emotional, and career development
• Provide small group counseling to students with identified needs and concerns 
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff and families in understanding and meeting the needs of students in the school setting
• Make appropriate referrals for students and families to outside agencies and specialists
• Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school
• Review the school counseling program annually with other district counselors and administrators for continuous improvement
• Pursue continuous professional development to stay abreast of new developments within the field
• Promote an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures
• Monitor and advise students and their families as they progress towards promotion and graduation
• Prepare students for the transition to the next level: middle school, high school, and post high school
• Adhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession

Our Belief
We believe that the school counseling programs should be an integral part of the total educational system and available to all students.  School counselors are leaders in the school and serve as change agents, collaborators, and advocates.
 
Counseling Program
The Marana Comprehensive Professional School Counseling Program follows the American School Counselor Association National Model. Providing a framework for the district K-12 counseling program. A comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of the school’s academic mission.

MUSD’s Comprehensive school counseling program, driven by student data and based on national standards in academic, career and social/emotional development, promote and enhance the learning process for all students. Following the ASCA National Model school counselors ensure equitable access to a rigorous education for all students; identify the knowledge and skills all students will acquire as a result of the K-12 comprehensive school counseling program;  deliver the program to all students in a systematic fashion; and are state-credentialed.
 
School counselors focus their skills, time and energy on direct and indirect services to students. To achieve maximum program effectiveness, the American School Counselor Association recommends school counselors spend the majority of their time in direct and indirect services to students; the remaining time is set aside for program management and school support services, such as school counseling program foundation, management, and accountability tasks. School counselors participate as members of the educational team and use the skills of leadership, advocacy and collaboration to promote systemic change as appropriate. The framework of a comprehensive school counseling program consists of four components: foundation, management, delivery and accountability.

The first week of February is a special week to honor school counselors and highlight the tremendous impact school counselors have in guiding students to achieve success and plan for their future! Marana district counselors promote and enhance student achievement and provide each student with the support, resources, and skills necessary to become productive and responsible adults.

MUSD is proud to be one of the few school districts in the county to provide Master level  full-time counselors in all schools. Counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life and are an integral part of each school’s total educational program. 

Counselors provide services in three main areas: Academic, Social/Emotional, and Career/Life Planning. Through large and small group instruction, presentations, activities, and individual advising and counseling, counselors work closely with students, staff, and parents. The school counseling program follows the ASCA National Model, based on the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.