Counseling

Marianne Lawson

Marianne Lawson

Counselor
Luisa Mossa

Luisa Mossa

School Psychologist
Tristyn Wong

Tristyn Wong

Student Support Specialist

El Morro's school counselor is Marianne Lawson. Her office is located in Room 51. Ms. Lawson is trained to help students with three domain areas: personal/social needs, academic concerns, and career planning. She provides direct and indirect support services for students, teachers, administrators, and parents relative to helping students maximize their full academic potential. She can see students individually or in small group settings and oftentimes makes classroom presentations on topics related to any of the three domain areas at the request of teachers or staff.

Ms. Lawson also provides consultation for parents and teachers as needed on individual student or family issues that might preclude students from maximizing their academic potential.

Ms. Lawson is available Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

El Morro's school psychologist is Luisa Mossa. Her office is located in Room P1. Mrs. Mossa is trained in mental health, learning, and behavior to help students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. She collaborates and consults with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment. In addition, Mrs. Mossa provides direct support and interventions to students, evaluates students to help determine eligibility for special education and related services, conducts Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), creates Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and supports in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Mrs. Mossa is available Monday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Counselors help schools:

  • Improve Academic Achievement
  • Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health
  • Support Diverse Learners
  • Create Safe, Positive School Climates
  • Strengthen Family-School Partnerships
  • Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability
  • Monitor Student Progress in Academics and Behaviors

Counselors help students:

  • Sort out problems
  • Discuss feelings and needs
  • Explore options
  • Set goals

Counselors also help students learn new skills related to:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Anger management
  • Resilience
  • Organization
  • Study habits
  • Self-esteem

When would a parent need to seek help from an Elementary School Counselor?

Whenever a parent or teacher has a concern about his/her child's academic, personal, social, or emotional well-being and development as it relates to school success, he or she can consult with a School Counselor. The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication, and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups, and family.

What is a Student Study Team (SST) meeting?

Student Study Team meetings are coordinated and facilitated by the counselor at El Morro. This type of meeting is typically held whenever a teacher or parent has concerns about a child who is not performing academically at grade level or if the parent or teacher has concerns about a child who is demonstrating significant behavioral problems that might impede his success. The SST is composed of specialists who will make recommendations about appropriate interventions for the teacher or parent. The School Psychologist, RSP (Special Education) Teacher, Reading Interventionist, School Counselor, Classroom Teacher, Parents, and Principal compose the team which will arrive at a decision that meets the need of the individual learner.

Some outcomes of SST meetings can be recommendations for specific interventions to be implemented by the teacher or parent for a specified period of time, continued participation in current interventions for an extended period of time, or movement toward possible assessment for special education placement if the student is suspected of having a learning disability.

Resources