Contact Us

Counseling

 

counseling banner image

 

 

 

SPEAK UP, WE CARE

 

To go to the District webpage, click on the link here:   www.iusd.org/WeCare

 

GREENTREE COUNSELING BROCHURE

 

Click here for Greentree's Counseling Brochure:  greentree_counseling_brochure_.pdf

 

Available counseling services

 

Classroom Guidance Lessons (Second Step)

 

Each classroom receives one half-hour guidance lesson each week for the entire school year. Topics vary by grade level, but the overall themes are skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving. Please visit your child’s grade level under the Second Step tab for more detailed information.

 

Individual Counseling

 

Individual counseling sessions are initiated by referral from teachers, parents, staff, or administrators. They are a means to provide support and skill-building for coping with family stressors, academic struggles, and personal issues. Services are provided during the school day, once a week for approximately 30 minutes, free of charge, and voluntary. Sessions are conducted for 8-10 weeks. Topics may include expressing feelings, self-esteem, problem-solving, communication skills, or making choices. Sessions and topics are tailored to meet the individual needs of the student.

 

Small Group Counseling

 

Counselors organize and lead small group counseling sessions based on building resilience and providing support for students experiencing similar problems. Students can be recommended for small group counseling by administrators, teachers, or parents. Small group counseling sessions will be conducted weekly for 8-10 weeks and are based on student needs and schedules. Small groups can consist of 2 to 6 students. Topics and themes are chosen to meet the specific needs of the participating students.

 

Counseling Crisis Situations

 

When a crisis occurs that impacts students or staff, counselors will provide classroom support or individual counseling, as needed.

 

classroom guidance

 

Dear Families: We want your child to be as successful as possible at school. Success in school is not just about reading and math. It is also about knowing how to learn and how to get along with others. We will be using the Second Step program in your child’s classroom to teach these critical skills. The Second Step program teaches skills in the following four areas: 1. Skills for Learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork. 2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion. 3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger. 4. Problem Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way. Your child will be learning a lot this year – and he or she will need your help! Throughout the year, Home Links will be available on our website about the unit we are learning about in the classroom. They are simple, fun activities for you and your child to complete together. They are a great way for you to understand what your child is learning and for your child to show you what he or she knows. If you have any questions about the Second Step program, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information. Thank you for supporting your child in learning the skills that lead to success in school and in life. 

 

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)

 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, establish and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, CASEL)

 

Irvine Unified School District and Greentree Elementary School support the social-emotional development of your child.  We understand the foundation SEL provides for safe and positive learning, which enhances student’s ability to succeed in school, careers, and life.

 

CALM CLASSROOM

 

Calm Classroom is a SEL program that integrates school-wide mindfulness into the classroom. Mindfulness is defined as the ability to pay attention to the present moment with a kind and open attitude. The daily practice of mindful breathing, stretching, focusing, and relaxation exercises cultivates a greater sense of self-awareness, mental focus, and emotional resilience. 

 

Students take 3 short breaks throughout the day to relax and re-energize their bodies and minds. 

 

Below are some articles provided by Calm Classroom: 

 

Why Mindfulness Belongs in the Classroom: 
https://www.mindful.org/why-mindfulness-belongs-in-the-classroom/

 

Mindfulness in Education Research Highlights: 
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/mindfulness_in_education_research_highlights

 

Playing Nicely with Others: Why Schools Teach Social Emotional Learning: 
https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/playing-nicely-with-others-why-schools-teach-social-emotional-learning/?smid=fb-share&mtrref=undefined

 

Using Brain Breaks to Restore Students’ Focus: 
https://www.edutopia.org/article/brain-breaks-restore-student-focus-judy-willis

 

For more information, please visit: https://calmclassroom.com/

 

 

 

LUNCH BUNCH

 

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!

 

BULLYING AND CYBER BULLYING

 

Click here:  bullying_and_cyber_bullying.pdf

 

 

 

Kindergarten

 

Click on the following titles for more information:

 

  1. Learning to Listen
  2. Focusing Attention
  3. Following Directions
  4. Self Talk

1st Grade

 

  1. Listening to Learn
  2. Focusing Attention
  3. Following Directions
  4. Self-Talk for Learning
  5. Being Assertive

2nd Grade

 

  1. Being Respectful
  2. Using Self-Talk

3rd Grade

 

  1. Being Respectful Learners
  2. Being Assertive

4th Grade

 

  1. Empathy and Respect
  2. Listening with Attention
  3. Being Assertive
  4. Respecting Similarities and Differences
  5. Understanding Complex Feelings
  6. Understanding Different Perspectives
  7. Conversation and Compliments
  8. Joining in
  9. Showing Compassion

5th Grade

 

Click here for Second Step Home Links:  second_step_home_links-5th.pdf

 

6th Grade

 

Click here for Second Step Home Links:   second_step_home_links-6th.pdf