Hello Lakeside Families,

I am excited to see our students return for the 24-25 academic school year! I am determined to work toward our school’s and district’s mission to ensure our students are academically prepared and have the life skills to take on a post-academic world! Every step in the academic road is a crucial one and no one takes your child’s education more seriously than our school. In partnership with administration, teachers, and staff, the school counseling program is getting revamped to ensure that it is addressing all academic, personal and/or social student needs based on formal and informal data. This ensures the program is making a purposeful and meaningful impact where it is most needed.

I am Ms. Rivera, the school counselor at Lakeside Elementary. I am beginning my 3rd professional year with Broward County Public Schools and look forward to implementing a strong counseling program meant to benefit ALL students. Services provided by the school counseling program include classroom guidance, small group counseling, brief individual counseling, academic check ins, resource referrals, consultation and collaboration, and more. I look forward to beginning another year here to connect with and support our students!

Research has shown that schools with strong school counseling program have better academic performance, lower behavioral concerns and improved attendance (American School Counseling Association, 2024). School counselors take on unrelated (but needed) roles which can interfere with appropriately implementing a school counseling program. In collaboration with my administration, teachers, and staff, it is my professional goal is to create and sustain a strong school counseling program as an advocacy effort and to create systematic change in the field. With data, I hope to show district and state educational partners that counselors can and do play a vital role in the success of student lives and achievement. Why do I do this? Not only because it is a professional expectation but because it is important to me to make a positive difference in all students I encounter.

In working with my staff and administration, I do not forget about you, the families. You are strong part of your child’s education and success and I thank you for your partnership and support in their academic journey. Together, we can make Lakeside’s vision happen.

Fostering a growth mindset environment where every scholar achieves their BEST.

Parents are always welcome to come in or call 754-323-6400 for assistance or advice.