Counseling

Dear Parents, Students, and Teachers,

We want to welcome you back to a brand new school year; and, although these times are difficult and unknown our counseling support staff are here to support and help you in a number of ways.  We offer a variety of assistance in individual and group counseling services, in-classroom social/emotional instruction for students, and parent/teacher guidance and support.

This page is also intended for you to explore a variety of resources offered within Sonoma County.  In addition, you can also check out the mwusd.org website: click on educational services, and then counseling.  In this section, you will be able to access links to resources, powerpoint presentations, and other on-line instruction services including resources, toolbox strategies, and other mental health resources.  Additionally, please visit “Counseling Corner”, our new Counseling Blog located on the homepage of the website.  Here, you will be able to access quick links and videos to the most recent and relevant information!  If you or your student would like to talk with a counselor, please complete and submit the attached COUNSELOR REQUEST FORM.

We want this to be the utmost amazing year for your child.

School counseling is considered a regular educational service and therefore students can be seen without parent consent. However, as a good faith practice, at the Mark West Union School District, the counselors will only meet with students one time without parent permission, usually to determine if counseling support is needed.

Our school counselors are happy to provide information about community resources if parents feel their student is in need of additional support but would prefer to receive it in the community. Our School Counseling Team includes:

Lionel Cooper (John B. Riebli), Antonio Garcia (Mark West Elementary & Mark West Charter) (Bilingual), and

Karina Serrano (San Miguel Elementary) (Bilingual)

Mr. Cooper may be reached directly at 707-341-6611

Mr. Garcia may be reached directly at 707-583-1598

Ms. Serrano may be reached directly at 707-234-8285

Counselors may also be reached at the numbers/extensions listed below.

John Riebli Elementary:  707-524-2980 x3144

Mark West Elementary: 707-524-2990 x1516

Mark West Charter Middle School: 707-524-2741 x2144

San Miguel Elementary: 707-524-2960 x2177

About Our Program

Goals of the Elementary Guidance Counselor

1. To assist students in understanding themselves.
2. To provide crisis support when needed.
3. Help develop strategies and plans based on the child’s strengths,
   challenges, and needs.
4. Help students learn to become more cognizant of the consequences of
   their behavior.
5. Support students to become successful and self-aware learners.

From Our Counseling Team

Given the widespread protests occurring in communities across the country, we wanted to provide resources to families who want to hold conversations with their children about race, racism, protests, and riots. We understand that these may be heavy topics and we are in no way endorsing any parenting approaches, but we wanted to lend support for those wanting to hold these conversations with their children.

Attached you will find links to books, tips, and articles that are appropriate for elementary students. Feel free to preview the resources to decide which ones are more appropriate for your family.