Counseling
School Counseling is for Everyone!
The school counseling department works to support the social emotional needs of students on our campuses so students can access their learning.
The counseling department's vision is to foster confident, capable, compassionate people. Our mission is to facilitate an engaging school culture where personal growth is nourished, kindness is the norm and respect is universal.
Classroom Lessons
BUSD uses CharacterStrong for the social emotional learning curriculum. CharacterStrong is a research-based social emotional learning and character based curriculum. It supports the social emotional (SEL) competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Classroom teachers facilitate lessons weekly using the CharacterStrong curriculum. In addition, school counselors support classroom guidance throughout the year by further supporting the CharacterStrong curriculum or may address other topics as needed for an individual classroom. Topic examples may include feelings, social skills, friendship, conflict resolution, different abilities, and diversity.
Small Groups
Students who demonstrate a need for additional support may benefit from small group counseling support. Small groups can address challenges like grief, friendship skills, self-esteem, managing stress, anxiety, coping skills, or address issues specific to a gender and age group. The specialized offering can give students additional support when a student needs support beyond the classroom lessons.
Individuals
Meeting with students individually gives an additional level of support to help students learn strategies to calm down strong feelings, manage behavior, and get along with others so they can be happy, safe, and successful at school. Individual school counseling is a short term intervention typically offering 6 to 8 weeks of individual support. School counselors may then share community resources with families should a student need longer term.
Whole School Activities
Site leadership teams and all school staff work together to support a positive school environment everyday. Activities may include assemblies, guest speakers, positive rewards and student recognition.
Counseling Staff
Each site is staffed with a full time school counselor to assist in supporting students' needs. School counselors work as a team with school staff, parents, and the community. Elementary school years set the tone for developing knowledge, attitudes, and skills, necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners.
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
Parent & Caregiver Information
Free Mental Health Support at Schools and School-Linked Sites.
The CYBHI Fee Schedule Program helps public schools, colleges, and school-linked sites get paid for offering mental health and substance use disorder services. School-linked sites are community-based providers identified by schools where students can get services.
Families don't pay anything, not even a co-pay or deductible, and there is no impact on insurance.
Schools may ask you to update your health insurance information and permission to bill your or your child's health plan.