What an amazing year this has been! We want to thank you and congratulate you, parents/guardians, for all the hard work and dedication you have invested in your child(ren). We are working diligently in this last stretch to make sure our Jackrabbits are ready for another successful year in 2025-2026. Please continue to reach out if you need our assistance. We realize that the last weeks of school are hectic, and sometimes we just need a little push to keep going. With that in mind, behaviors might change, moods might be different, and anxiety may be more evident. Please know that we are here to help your child with any of these behaviors. Locate our contact information below and let us know how we can help. You got this!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read our Counseling Newsletter. This newsletter will contain important information throughout the school year about our Counseling Program, the important STATE MANDATED and Character Building lessons that we will be providing to all of our students, and all other services that we will provide as elementary school counselors

The following is the Role of a School Counselor:

Research shows that the implementation of a school counseling program, as outlined by “The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs,” has a positive impact on student achievement. The development and implementation of these programs require leadership from well-trained, highly competent elementary school counselors and includes a collaborative effort with school administrators, classroom teachers, school staff and community stakeholders.

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication, and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups, and family.

Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management, and social skills, who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention, and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.

Elementary school counselors do not work in isolation; rather, they are integral to the total educational program. They provide a proactive program that engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school staff, administration, and community/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help students achieve success.

Elementary school counselors also collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.

The ASCA National Model provides a flexible framework that elementary school counselors use to develop a school counseling program designed to meet their students’ unique needs.

The delivery of this program includes:

Direct student services including: instruction – teaching the school counseling curriculum to students focused through the lens of selected student standards from the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.

Appraisal and advisement – assessing student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future.

Counseling – providing professional assistance and support to a student or small group of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success.

School counselors DO NOT PROVIDE THERAPY nor LONG TERM COUNSELING in schools. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources.

Email: schave@sisd.net

Website: https://www.sisd.net/colbennarbuth
Location: 12901 Bob Hope Drive, El Paso, TX, USA
Phone: (915)938-2812
X: @SRChavez_BNES

12901 Bob Hope Drive, El Paso, TX 79928

Website: https://www.sisd.net/colbennarbuth

Email: scasti06@sisd.net

Office Phone Number: (915)938-2813

Follow me on X @SCastillo_BNES

The mission of Communities In School of El Paso is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. I will be working with students and families in the areas of attendance, academics, behaviors, health & human service referrals, and supportive guidance. If you'd like to enroll your student in our campus Communities In School program, please contact me.

My door is always open, please feel free to contact me anytime.

12901 Bob Hope Dr. El Paso, TX 79928

CIS Program Coordinator

Phone: 915.938.2814

Email: cgonza70@sisd.net

Please remember that we are here to help your child/children in every way possible. Feel free to reach out to the counseling team to make an appointment either by phone, email, or note to your child's teacher.

You may also stop by the campus; however, we may not be available to see you at that specific moment since we may be conducting classroom lessons, meeting with our small groups or individuals, or in a meeting. Therefore, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you make an appointment with us directly so that we can secure the time and date just for you.

You can set up an appointment by:

• Calling either Mr. Chavez or Ms. Castillo. If you are leaving a message, please include your child's name (first and last name), your name, and a good call back number. Please make sure that your phone numbers are all up-to-date on Skyward.

• Send us an email.
• Send a note with your child to give to the teacher.

We are always here to help!

Teacher Appreciation week is May 5th -- May 9th!

THANK YOU, JACKRABBIT TEACHERS,

FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!!!