Hi!

I am Ms. Alia Vergel, your School Counselor. I am happy and thankful to be part of the TVES family. I LOVE what I do! I’ve been blessed to work with a diverse group of students, families, and staff. As a School Counselor, I strive to provide students with the support they need to help them grow into the amazing adults they are purposed to become. I am a firm believer in a community approach; we are all responsible for the outcome! I look forward to working and growing together at TVES.

What does an elementary school counselor do?

The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program that helps create a safe and respectful learning environment by collaborating with school staff, parents, and the community. Elementary school counselors support their students to achieve academic success, develop an early understanding of career opportunities, and develop social/emotional skills by providing education, prevention, early identification, and intervention.

Parents may contact Ms. Vergel if they have concerns regarding their child's:

• Behavior patterns

• Social skills

• Self Esteem

• Coping skills

• Academic success 

SEL (Social Emotional Learning)

All students (K-6) participate in SEL lessons that are delivered in the classroom. The primary goal of SEL lessons is to provide information and teach skills that help students better understand their thoughts and emotions, become more self-aware, and develop more empathy for others within their community and the world around them.

The objectives of these lessons focus on the following themes:

• Nurturing Attitudes 

• Responsibility 

• Dependability 

• Friendship

• Brotherhood

• High expectations

• Courage 

• Hope 

Small groups 

Small group counseling is offered to provide additional, targeted support to children with common needs or concerns. The goal of small group counseling is to teach skills that will help your child be successful in school, in friendships, and within the family. Groups typically meet for 6-8 weeks for 30 minutes each week. Group size is usually 3-5 children. Parent permission is required for students to participate in small groups.

Common group topics are:

• Anxiety & Coping skills 

• Divorce 

• Grief 

• Self-esteem 

• Social skills 

• Anger 

Please contact Ms.Vergel for more information if you have an interest in your child participating in a small group.

Individual student counseling 

Individual student counseling is a resource that has proven to be highly effective in schools. Counselors employ their expertise by identifying student challenges, and ways to cope and/or resolve them using established counseling methods. 

Individual counseling is typically:

• Short-term in nature

• Goal oriented

• May involve parent/staff

After an individual school counseling session, the school counselor may find the student’s need beyond their scope. The student may be referred to outside resources.

The Counselor/Student Relationship

An important part of the counselor and student relationship is trust. One of the ways counselors build a trusting relationship with students is through confidentiality. At the beginning of the school year, privacy and confidentiality are discussed with each class. I share with students that I keep the information they share with me confidential, however, there are times when I may have to break confidentiality and share with other adults if anyone (the student or someone else) may potentially get hurt, or if we decide it is important for us to share the information with another adult. I share with students that problem-solving is a collaborative effort and, at times, we may want to include their parents or teachers in our work.

In order to maintain students' trust, and not hinder the counseling process, I may not disclose to parents if I am meeting with a student regularly. Parents may be contacted if their assistance is needed, and/or if referral for additional support is deemed helpful.

Thank you for your partnership, please reach out with any questions or concerns. 

GO GECKOS! 

Ms. Vergel :) 

avergel@tanq.org