COUNSELING PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Here at Eastwood, we strive to equip every student with positive social skills and effective strategies for difficult situations. Every student will receive monthly social-emotional learning (SEL) from the evidenced-based program SecondSTEP directed by our Guidance Assistant and/or Elementary Resource Counseling (ERC) Specialist. The following skill building areas will be discussed: Skills for Learning, Empathy, Emotion Management, and Problem Solving. In addition to the classroom lessons, small groups, and individual counseling, students are offered Lunch Bunch gatherings once a week. These provide the opportunity for students to join the ERC during lunch to engage and socialize with peers in games and fun activities!
MEET OUR TEAM
JOSHUA RAZO: Hello Eastwood Family! My name is Joshua Razo and I am your Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist at Eastwood Elementary. I have been working in the field of education for 6 years. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Educational Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from National University. Over the years I have gained a tremendous amount of experience that has helped me develop as a working professional. Along with Counseling at the elementary level, I am also the Head Coach for Wrestling at Portola High School. I have worked in wrestling for 7 years, helping young student-athletes grow as students of the sport and contributing members of our society. Coaching and Counseling are integral parts of my life and they have complimented one another well, allowing me to fulfill my role as a comprehensive counselor.
INDIVIDUAL and SMALL GROUP COUNSELING
The Elementary Resource Counseling Program is designed to provide opportunities for students to participate in individual and small group counseling experiences that provide support and skill building for coping with family stressors, academic struggles, and personal issues. It is not unusual for students to need focused help to strengthen their social- emotional skills in order to be more learning ready during different times in their childhood. Many children struggle from time to time with a range of family and life circumstances (divorce, loss, moves, stress) that make coming to school more difficult and we are here to offer tools and support. Small group and individual counseling can be an excellent way for students to learn new skills, develop self- confidence, adjust behaviors, and learn to deal with challenges in healthy ways. Services are provided during the school day, once a week for approximately 30 minutes. These services are free of charge and voluntary. Every effort will be made to minimize the loss of important instructional time. Please Note: Information shared by your child in counseling sessions will be kept confidential unless there is an indication that your child is in danger of hurting himself/herself or others, that someone may be hurting your child, or if there is intent to cause significant property damage.
The Elementary Guidance Assistant Program is designed to offer social-emotional learning to students during their school day using an evidence based social-emotional classroom curriculum called Second Step. Second Step is designed to teach children how to understand and manage their emotions, control their reactions, be aware of others’ feelings, and have the skills to problem solve and make responsible decisions. These lessons will increase students learning-readiness and help them to move ahead successfully in school. Guidance Assistants are trained para-professional staff and are assigned at each of IUSD’s K-6 school sites to teach Second Step in the classroom and provide small group workshops for children who would benefit from additional support. Students with parent permission may participate in “TOOLBOX” groups, the small group workshops, which are a series of once-a-week, 30-45 minute small group lessons during the school day. Groups usually last for 10-12 weeks.