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Meet the School Counselors of Omro School District
Hello!
Our primary task is to help ALL students become better learners by providing a comprehensive counseling program that meets their academic, personal/social, and career developmental needs. We meet with students individually and in small groups, conduct classroom lessons, collaborate and work as a team with parents/guardians and staff, and organize school wide events to meet the needs of our school community. Support provided can be therapeutic, but the role of a school counselor is not to diagnose or provide therapy. We are able to provide temporary/short-term support to help students overcome acute issues having an impact on their school performance. When more serious concerns arise, we would talk with you about resources outside of school. We would be happy to provide a list of outside agencies and licensed mental health counselors that provide ongoing therapy to children and families, if you ever need them. As the school counselor, we have the privilege of providing support to every student at our school! Confidentiality is respected, unless a student shares that they plan on hurting themselves, hurting someone else, or someone is hurting them. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can support your child or family in any way!
Bullying
Your child is an important part of our school community, and we want every student to feel safe, respected, and valued at school. Sometimes, students may experience challenges with friendships, peer relationships, or unkind behavior that they don't feel comfortable sharing with an adult.
As parents and guardians, you may notice changes at home before we see them at school. If your child shares a concern with you, please reach out to us. We may not always be aware of what is happening, and your communication can help us better understand what your child is experiencing and provide the appropriate support.
Together, we can help students feel safe, supported, and confident in speaking up when something doesn't feel right.
Recognizing and Responding to Bullying
Bullying can be difficult to recognize, especially as students get older. Some students may talk openly about what is happening, while others may keep their experiences to themselves. As a school, we want to work together with families to make sure every student feels safe, respected, and included.
What is bullying?
Bullying involves unwanted aggressive behavior that is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, and involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. It can be physical, verbal, social/relational, or occur online.
Signs to Watch For at Home
A student experiencing difficulties with peers may show changes that are easy to overlook. Some possible signs include:
- Suddenly not wanting to come to school or participate in activities
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
- Increased anxiety, sadness, irritability, or withdrawal
- Complaints of headaches or stomachaches, particularly around school
- Changes in friendships or suddenly spending less time with peers
- Lost, damaged, or missing belongings
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Declining grades or difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding social media, or becoming unusually upset after using it
- Frequently saying that no one likes them or that they don't have friends
- Asking to stay home or frequently visiting the nurse or office
- Becoming reluctant to talk about their school day
Keep in mind: These signs do not automatically mean a student is being bullied. They can be indicators that something is bothering a student and that a conversation may be helpful.
Please Reach Out to Us
One of the most important things parents and guardians can do is let the school know when you have a concern. Sometimes students do not report what is happening, and school staff may not be aware that a problem exists.
If your child shares something concerning with you, please contact the school so we can gather information, check in with your child, and determine what support may be needed. Even if you are unsure whether something "counts" as bullying, we would rather know about a concern than have a student struggle alone.
If something doesn't feel right, please reach out. We're here to help.
Grief Resources
Children's of Wisconsin Grief Support
The link above provides many resources including grief support groups, individual grief counseling, events that are available, and links to applicable podcasts.
Connections Grief Center of the Fox Valley
Formerly named Center for Grieving Children. This center provides some general information about grieving after loss specific to children. It also has a calendar of events and groups that are available. They ask you to complete an intake form so that they can contact you with resources.
Counseling Resources
School Based Mental Health
Supporting Students — From Elementary Through High School
In the Omro School District, we care about the whole student — their academic growth, emotional well-being, and overall success. That’s why we offer School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) right here at school.
■ What Are School-Based Mental Health Services?
School-based mental health services bring licensed therapists or counselors into the school to provide emotional and behavioral support for students. These professionals help students manage challenges that may affect learning, relationships, or daily life — in a setting that’s comfortable and familiar.
■ What Support Can Students Receive?
Students may work one-on-one or in small groups on things like:
• Coping with stress or anxiety
• Building confidence and self-esteem
• Managing emotions and behavior
• Improving focus and motivation
• Strengthening friendships and communication skills
■ Why Offer These Services at School?
• Students can get help without missing much class time
• No transportation or outside appointments are needed
• School staff and mental health professionals can work together to support each child • Early help means challenges can be addressed before they become bigger problems
■ Confidential and Family-Centered
All services are confidential and require parent or guardian consent before a student begins. Families are important partners in the process, and providers will communicate and collaborate with you to best support your child.
■ Want to Learn More?
If you’d like to learn more or find out how your child can access school-based mental health services, please contact your child's School Counselor.
Cartwheel
The District has partnered with Cartwheel, a telehealth mental health provider for students. These services are only offered virtually and at this time would not be during school hours. Check out their one-page brochure below for details.
Another nice option they offer is parent guidance (brochure below) to help parents guide their child through what they are going through. This would be utilized if a student is too young for therapy or may be older but not be ready for therapy.
Here is the link to the Cartwheel webpage, which has some really nice resources for teachers and families.
Omro School District Counselors
Omro Elementary/H.B. Patch Elementary School Counselor:
Mrs. Tracy Rees
(920) 303-2322
Omro Middle School Counselor:
Mrs. Carrie Sabel
(920) 303-2301, ext. 2207
Omro High School Counselor:
Mrs. Heather LaFleur
(920) 303-2319
