Counselor's Corner

At Northside Elementary, our counseling program is designed to support the whole child. Following the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, we partner with parents, teachers, and staff to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Whether your child needs help navigating friendships, managing stress, setting academic goals, or working through a tough day, we are here to help them thrive!

How We Support Your Child

As the 4th and 5th grade school counselor, I provide support across four main areas to help your student grow academically, socially, and emotionally:

🌟 Classroom Guidance (Learning Life Skills)

I visit classrooms regularly to teach proactive, age-appropriate lessons to all students. Topics include:

• Character Counts( Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship)

• Bullying prevention and online safety

• Building self-confidence and a growth mindset

• Managing stress, big feelings, and focus

• Developing strong communication and conflict-resolution skills

• Exploring interests, strengths, and future career pathways

🎯 Individual & Future Planning

I help students recognize their unique talents and build habits for lifelong success by:

• Setting academic and personal goals

• Teaching time-management and organizational skills

• Guiding 5th graders through a smooth transition to middle school

🤝 Responsive Services (Short-Term Support)

Life happens, and sometimes students need extra support during the school day. I offer:

• Brief, 1-on-1 Counseling: Short-term support for individual student challenges or acute stress.

• Small Group Counseling: Peer groups focused on specific skills, such as handling anxiety, friendship dynamics, or adjusting to family changes.

• Crisis Response: Immediate care and safety planning during urgent situations.

🏠 Family & Community Partnerships

You are your child's primary educator, and we are your partners! School counselors support families by:

• Consulting with parents to create effective strategies for home and school

• Connecting families with community resources, food assistance, or outside mental health care

• Coordinating campus support teams to meet your child's learning needs

How Students See the Counselor

Students can connect with the school counselor in a few easy ways:

• Self-Referral: Students can fill out a “Meet with Mauch” counselor pass and place it in the counselor's box or ask a teacher for a pass.

• Parent Request: Parents can contact the counselor directly via phone or email to request a check-in.

• Teacher/Staff Recommendation: Teachers may request support if they notice changes in a student's academic performance or behavior.

Note on Confidentiality: What students share with the counselor stays private, unless there is a concern about safety (someone is hurting the child, the child wants to hurt themselves or someone else, or permission is given to share). Parent trust and safety are our top priorities!