School Counseling Program

Vision Statement

Elementary school counselors within The Palm Springs Unified School District visualize a future where all students have the opportunities they need to: explore their talents to meet their highest potential; take pride in themselves and their school; become life-long learners and responsible, contributing members in our community. Students will emerge equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be college and career ready, as well as productive members of an ever-changing global civilization.

Counseling Beliefs

All students have worth.
All students can achieve academic success and become productive members of society.
All students will demonstrate resilience, grit and growth mindset when faced with challenging situations.

Mission Statement

The mission of Palm Springs Unified School District’s Elementary School Counseling Program is to deliver a comprehensive program that allows for continuous self-evaluation and improvement as we strive to support and enhance the academic, college/career readiness, and personal/social/emotional development of all students. This is done through the delivery of data-driven classroom lessons, small group instruction, and individual counseling. Elementary school counselors advocate for equality, success, and equal access for all students. We endeavor to create a school climate that supports inclusion, safety, academic success, and the ability for all students to be responsible members of society as well as life-long learners that are prepared for all the challenges the future holds.

Counseling Services

Classroom guidance lessons - Counselor provides guidance lessons to entire classes on specific topics such as: What is a Counselor, Growth Mindset, Empathy, Kindness, etc.
Group counseling - Counseling for a small group of students to address a specific issue such as; anger, anxiety, coping skills, self-esteem, divorce, social skills, etc.
Individual counseling - One-on-one brief counseling to students for issues ranging from minor to major, including crisis intervention.
Academic progress support and referrals for tutoring or other help.
Personal development support and referrals for intervention programs, therapy or other community resources
Collaboration with other educators, parents/guardians, and community contact to help support students
Consultation with teachers, support staff, parents and outside agencies (as needed).
Schoolwide activities

Confidentiality

Information students share with the school counselor is confidential. The student’s right to privacy is guarded as much as permitted by law, ethics and school policy. The school counselor is obligated to break confidentiality when there is a potential harm to the student or others, concern of neglect or abuse, or a court of law that requires testimony or student records. Counselors maintain confidentiality of the information that your child shares with them, however: as a mandated reporter, all school employees or healthcare workers are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services.