School counselors promote and enhance achievement with an annual comprehensive school counseling plan that ensures that every student receives school counseling services. Credentialed school counselors provide comprehensive counseling programs that incorporate prevention and intervention with continuous academic, career and personal/development activities that will prepare them for meaningful participation in a diverse, changing world. These activities include classroom guidance, small groups for skill mastery, individual counseling for students with specific needs, and a variety of other proactive and innovative ways to support student performance. 

School counselors implement a program based on the National Standards for School Counseling Programs and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. They also provide resources to staff, students, families, and others to ensure that a family-friendly environment is established and ensure that students have access to a safe school climate necessary for academic and social/emotional growth.

Parents are always welcome to come in or call 754-322-7800 for assistance or advice.

Social & Emotional Support of Student Needs

Welcome to another school year at Park Trails Elementary!  I would like to introduce you to our Social & Emotional Support Team, which consists of a School Counselor, School Social Worker, and School Psychologist.  Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students and families, teach students to be kind and respectful to everyone, encourage students to work hard to reach their dreams, and never give up.  We are passionate about helping students recognize their potential with regards to academic achievement, social emotional development, and college and career readiness.  We are enthusiastic about working with teachers, students, and parents to reach a common goal – Student Success and the health and well-being of our students and community. 

Your Role

Please talk with your child about what is means to follow the Golden Rule.  The Golden Rule is to treat people the way you want to be treated, which is with kindness and respect.  Encourage your child to make smart choices every day and to be aware of their surroundings.  It is important to remind your child that they come to school to learn, have fun and be safe!  If you need help or assistance, reach out to our team. 

Summary of Services

The goal of the Social & Emotional Support Team is to support the healthy growth and development of the total child (social, emotional, and academic) in his/her worlds of school, home, and community.  This process of growth is encouraged through classroom social and emotional lessons, small group counseling and individual counseling, consultation with parents and teachers, and coordination of services.

SEL and Mindfulness Toolkit for Families

The SEL and Mindfulness Toolkit for Families provides help for parents and guardians to help children adjust during the reopening of schools with an emphasis on Social & Emotional Learning and Mindfulness.  Parents, guardians, and families will find a list of social & emotional learning and mindfulness resources to support you, your child, and your family during these challenging times.

This SEL and Mindfulness Toolkit will provide activities with

• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) resources to teach vital social and emotional skills
• Mindfulness video and activities
• Resources to support your own inner resources in dealing with stress in today's world, during school's reopening and this time with COVID.

Character Education

Resources/books suggested by the district’s Diversity; Prevention & Intervention Department are shared with the instructional staff.  Additional resources are located on Broward Prevention's website.

Classroom Social & Emotional Learning Lessons

Educational/Counseling groups are designed to help students understand and deal with normal developmental tasks and issues.  Examples include character education, peer relationships, conflict resolution, bullying, social skills, mindfulness, and personal safety.  The classroom social and emotional lessons all provide an important opportunity for non-referred students to interact with the school counselor.

Small-Group Counseling

As part of our comprehensive, holistic approach to dealing with social and emotional needs of our students, the school counselor also works with small groups of students who have been referred for a similar concern.  The format uses a psycho-educational model that is goal-centered and oriented toward enhancing and developing coping skills.  Some common types of counseling groups deal with academic success, divorce, friendship/getting along, self-esteem, social skills, anger, and grief or loss.  These groups are confidential.  Parent consent is required for participation.

Referral Assistance

Our team maintains a comprehensive list of specialists who may be helpful in the event of concern beyond the scope of school counseling services. 

School-Based Consultation

Members of our team consult with teachers, parents, administration, and specialists.

Classroom Observation

Our team conducts student observations within the classroom environment to help with decision making and referrals.

Coordinator of Services

Our team takes part in the Multi-Tired System of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RtI) team, District and State Assessments serves as the district liaison for Child Abuse, Foster Care, HEART (Homeless Education), Social and Emotional Learning, 504’s, and Prevention Programs along with oversees Health Screenings (Vision/Hearing/BMI).