Ladera Ranch Elementary School - Counselor's Corner

Our Staff

CONTACT INFORMATION

Counseling Referral Form (Parents/Staff)

LRES Counseling Referral Form

Counselor's Corner

Healthy/Strong Kids Wellness Survey (click lion icon below)

Hello, my name is Kari Ternus, and this is my third year as school counselor here at LRES. I am so excited to be returning as a Lion team member! As a CUSD School Counselor, I am committed to providing social and emotional support for all students, helping to enhance their academic, personal, and college/career growth. The goal of the counseling program is to ensure that all students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support their academic achievement and social/emotional wellness.

Ladera's counseling program will provide a variety of services throughout the school year for students, parents, and families in order to support the growth of our students. These services include:

Second Step Classroom Social/Emotional Lessons
Short-term Individual Counseling (6 weeks)
Group Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Conflict Mediation
Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
Community Referrals and Resources
Student and Parent Workshops
Consultation

Please email me if you have any questions about the counseling services provided here at Ladera Ranch Elementary. If you would like to refer a student, please use the referral link located on the left hand side of this page under Referral Forms.

Ladera School Counseling

The School Counseling Program:

Is preventative and encompasses academic, social-emotional, and college & career domains to help prepare students for successful futures.

Is evaluated by utilizing data-driven practices.

Is based upon specified goals, input from staff and parents, and developmental student standards.

Is developed in consideration of the special needs and the diverse ethnic, cultural, and racial differences of all students.

The School Counselor Believes ALL Students:

Have the ability to be successful in school and in life when provided with appropriate support and interventions.

Are unique individuals,with their own personal strengths and talents, and abilities.

Have the right to a safe and nurturing academic environment that supports and enhances their personal growth.

The School Counselor:

Is an advocate for ALL students.

Is a resources for ALL students, parents, teachers, and staff members of the school and community.

Will abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to make informed decisions based upon moral principals.

American School Counseling Association:

ASCA Elementary School Counselor Role Statement

COUNSELOR MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Capistrano Unified School District School Counselors is to provide a comprehensive counseling program that supports the whole child. School Counselors will focus on the needs, interests and issues related to social-emotional, academic, and college/career development of all students through a multi-tiered system of support. School Counselors will advocate, collaborate and facilitate actions that promote a positive school climate, provide an opportunity for all students to access their education and achieve personal and academic success to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

SECOND STEP SEL LESSONS

Second Step is a social-emotional learning curriculum delivered to all students through classroom guidance lessons conducted by the school counselor. Second Step is designed to build a foundation of social-emotional skills such as empathy, emotion management, decision making, bully prevention, and problem solving to increase students’ success in school, preparing them to become responsible citizens.

What is social-emotional learning?

Recognizing emotions in oneself and others
Managing strong emotions
Having empathy for others
Controlling impulses
Communicating clearly and assertively
Maintaining cooperative relationships
Making responsible decisions
Solving problems effectively

SECOND STEP HOME LINKS:

Mindfulness Resources

Daily Routine Chart

- Sesame Street: In Communities- Resources for young children
- PBS Learning Resources and materials for teaching core skills
Howard B. Wigglebottom- Educational books, videos, games, and songs helping young children become better listeners, learn important life lessons, and feel good about themselves
Social-Emotional Learning Activities- Activities and pintables for communication, cooperation, emotion regulation, empathy, and impulse control