Counseling » Counseling

Counseling

Canyon View Elementary School's Counseling Program Overview 
 
Vision
The vision of the CVES Counseling Program is to create a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of every student. Through a dynamic multi-tiered support system—including whole-class core curriculum, small group counseling, individual counseling, and schoolwide initiatives—I am dedicated to promoting academic success, social-emotional development, and career readiness.
 
Multi- Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) 
CVES Counseling Program is dedicated to implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, offering a comprehensive approach to meeting the diverse academic and behavioral needs of every student. This model features three distinct tiers, each providing tailored interventions to ensure students receive support aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) domains: Academic, College & Career, and Social/Emotional. Through careful assessment of individual needs and relevant data, our program provides targeted support in these domains, promoting a comprehensive and well-rounded growth experience for every student.
 
Counseling Programs and Services 
Classroom Lessons
  • To support the student's academic , social/emotional awareness and career readiness, the Student Services Assistant and I provide bimonthly lessons to grades Tk-5 using the Second Step curriculum. These sessions encompass a range of topics, such as emotion management, empathy, friendship dynamics, and effective problem-solving techniques.
 
Small Group Counseling 
  • Small group counseling offers targeted support for students facing similar challenges. These sessions are held once a week for 30 minutes over an 8-week period, with four start dates throughout the school year. The curriculum is Storybooks and Social Hooks by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), which aims to build crucial social, emotional, and academic skills through engaging shared reading. This approach enhances literacy and social-emotional competencies, supports academic success, and promotes overall well-being. Curriculum themes include respect, self-regulation, problem-solving, self-efficacy, social skills and more! Following each reading, students engage in discussions and activities such as drawing and writing to deepen their understanding and reinforce the skills learned. My goal is to provide tailored support that fosters success within and beyond the CVES community.
 
Individual Counseling
  • If a student is dealing with specific issues such as grief, parental divorce, family changes, or anxiety, they may benefit from individual counseling. These sessions are conducted once a week for 30 minutes over an 8-week period, providing tailored support to help students navigate challenging life changes. The benefits of individual counseling include emotional healing and resilience, improved coping strategies, and support for maintaining academic focus and overall well-being.
 
Schoolwide Activities
  • The Student Services Assistant and I coordinate and implement various schoolwide activities to enhance our school community, including initiatives like No Place for Hate, Coyote Cool Lunches and Kindness Week. These activities are designed to foster a positive and inclusive environment by promoting respect, understanding, and acceptance among students. Our goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where every student feels valued and safe.
Social Emotional LearningThe five core components of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making. These components are essential for fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective interpersonal skills in individuals, particularly students.  Here's a bit more detail about each component:

  • Self-Awareness: This involves recognizing and understanding one's own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values. It's about being able to assess oneself objectively and having a positive self-view. Developing self-awareness helps individuals better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected.
 
  • Self-Management: Self-management is all about regulating emotions and behaviors in different situations. This includes managing stress, controlling impulses and persevering through challenges to achieve personal and academic goals. It helps individuals respond to situations in a balanced and productive manner.
 
  • Social Awareness: Social awareness entails understanding and empathizing with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It involves recognizing social norms, values, and behaviors, and appreciating the resources and support systems within families, schools, and communities. This skill encourages tolerance and compassion.
 
  • Relationship Skills: Developing effective relationship skills is crucial for forming and maintaining healthy interpersonal connections. This includes communicating clearly, actively listening, cooperating, resolving conflicts constructively, and resisting negative peer pressure. These skills foster positive interactions and mutual understanding.
 
  • Responsible Decision Making: Responsible decision making involves evaluating the potential consequences of actions across various contexts. It encompasses considering ethical standards, safety concerns, and the well-being of oneself and others. This skill helps individuals make informed choices that contribute to their personal growth and the welfare of their communities.
At Canyon View Elementary School, we are committed to supporting the well-being of every student. If you have concerns about your child's emotional, social, or academic well-being, please fill out the form below to request a meeting with our school counselor.  Together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment that helps your child thrive.
 
Ms. Gamelson
Hello! I’m Ms. Gamelson, your School Counselor at Canyon View Elementary School. I’m excited to join the Coyote family and support our students and families. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with both students and families at CVES to help foster academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional growth. My goal is to empower each student to overcome challenges, understand their emotions, and reach their personal best.
 
I’m thrilled to be the school counselor at Canyon View Elementary School, especially as an alum! I attended CVES from kindergarten through fifth grade and continued my education in the Poway Unified School District through middle and high school. This personal connection deepens my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our students. My educational journey also includes a Master of Education in Guidance Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Biola University. 
 
I am truly excited to embark on this journey together, supporting your child's flourishing and preparing them for a successful future. Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of being part of your child's educational experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a meeting, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
Websites: 
GoNoodle
    • Website: gonoodle.com
    • Description: GoNoodle offers interactive videos that will get you moving while teaching mindfulness and stress-relief techniques. It’s a fun way  to practice calming exercises and improve focus.
 
PBIS Kids
    • Website: https://pbskids.org/
    • Description: PBS Kids provides games, videos and activities that help explore and understand your emotions!
 
Posters to Explore: 
Think Positive
 
 
notes to self
Feelings Thermometer
What can I control?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Caring Connections Counseling
 

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