Counselors

Maja McElveen:

Mission Of The Department

The mission of the RRISD school counseling program is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students.

Professional School Counselors:

• Provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement
• Facilitate the support system to ensure all students in RRISD have access to and are prepared with the knowledge and skills at the  highest level to be contributing members of a diverse community
• Abide by the professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American School Counselor Association
• Participate in professional development activities essential to maintain a quality school counseling program

We believe:

• All students have dignity and worth
• All students have the right to participate in the school counseling  program
• All students’ ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual differences and special
  needs are considered in planning and implementing the school  counseling program
• All students shall have access to a state-certified professional  school counselor to deliver the counseling program

Counseling Services

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: Students may visit with their counselor when they have any special need.

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE: Classes primarily dealing with prevention and developmental issues including self-esteem, peer pressure, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, career exploration, and problem solving are taught throughout the school year at the elementary level and at the secondary levels when appropriate.

SUPPORT GROUPS: These small groups meet to address student concerns and develop skills to deal with life issues such as anger management, divorce, friendship, social skills, grief, self esteem, and stress management.

Purpose of Individual Counseling, Group Counseling and Classroom Guidance:

• To develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
• To help students better understand themselves and others
• To develop communication skills
• To build self confidence
• To encourage students to recognize and make the best use of  their capabilities to provide opportunities for students to feel  successful
• To talk with students about educational, personal and social  concerns
• To help students adjust to school and home environments
• To develop students’ awareness of the world of work
• To teach students the decision making / problem solving  process
• To foster a caring, safe environment for children
• To teach conflict resolution skills