School Counselor

Freedom Elementary School Counseling Program Overview

Ms. Kat Luis, Certified Bilingual School Counselor

The Freedom Elementary School Counseling Program is built on the framework of the ASCA National Model, supporting students’ academic achievement, career awareness, and social/emotional development. The program uses a comprehensive, data-driven approach to meet the needs of all students through prevention, intervention, and collaboration with families and staff.

🧠 Academic Development

(Helping students achieve success in school)

• 504 Accommodations Coordination
  Supporting students with learning and medical needs through personalized accommodation plans.
• Gifted and Talented Program Chair
  Coordinating student referrals, eligibility reviews, and enrichment opportunities.
• Mentor Program
  Supporting students with chronic absenteeism, disabilities, or other barriers to academic success.
• Behavioral Interventions
  Includes strategies like PBIS, behavior contracts, and parent-teacher conferences to improve classroom behavior and academic focus.

💬 Social/Emotional Development

(Helping students develop interpersonal skills and emotional wellness)

• Individual & Small Group Counseling (Parent permission required)
  Supports students with concerns like friendships, self-esteem, grief, or emotional regulation.
• Social Emotional Check-Ins
  Regular check-ins to monitor and promote student mental wellness.
• Child Safety Matters Lessons (District Mandate)
  Classroom guidance lessons that teach safety, boundaries, and how to seek help.
• Red Ribbon Week & World Kindness Day
  School-wide events promoting drug-free living, kindness, and respect for others.
• Angel Tree Gifts & Freedom Cares Food Bags
  Providing support to families facing financial hardship.
• Thanksgiving Brigade
  Helping families with food access during the holiday season.

🔒 Responsive Services

(Helping students during critical situations)

• Mandated Reporting
  The counselor is a mandated reporter of abuse and neglect and follows state-required reporting procedures.
• Referrals to Mental Health Services / IPT (Parent permission required)
  Connecting students and families to district or community mental health resources.

🤝 Indirect Student Services

(Supporting students through collaboration and consultation)

• Collaboration with Teachers & Parents
  Meetings, conferences, and consultations to address student needs and ensure support plans are in place.
• 504 & IEP Team Participation
  Partnering with staff and families during eligibility meetings, annual reviews, and evaluations.