Hello, Rattlers, old and new. My name is Christina Lopez and I am the Ridgetop School Counselor. Welcome home. I'm so happy you found your way here. If you've been here all along, welcome back! Ridgetop is a special place near and dear to my heart. Our teachers, administration, students, and families make Ridgetop what it is, and I am so proud to be a tiny part of it. I have never stepped foot in a school that feels like this. If you walk down the halls, you will feel the authenticity, love, and community.

I have started this newsletter at least twelve times. The last month has been filled with coaxing timid children from their parents, supporting teachers in their classrooms, helping in the cafeteria, meeting with individual students, monitoring recess, connecting with parents, planning the school year with our new Character Strong Curriculum, and FINALLY getting into all of the classrooms for my first lessons.

-Mrs. Lopez

I grew up right here in Austin, Texas on Jollyville Road and went to Hill Elementary. In middle school we moved to Midland, Texas and I returned to UT for my bachelors in Education. I was a 4th grade ESL teacher for 5 years at Parmer Lane Elementary. I married my husband in 2002 and we have made our way around the country, living in Boston, MA and Palo Alto, CA, and finally returning home to Austin. We have a 19 year old son, Pablo, who attended Brentwood Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School. He is currently a sophomore at Texas Tech University.

I was able to stay home with Pablo for 14 years and I wouldn't change it for the world. Those were some of the toughest, but most memorable times in my life. As he needed me less and I needed more I decided to get my Masters online from Angelo State in School Counseling.

I come from a family of five, and I was always the "difficult" one. The one that made everyone late for everything, the one that would not cooperate, the one that would cry because my hamburger bun cracked, my socks were crooked, or my dad was 2 minutes late home from work and so I thought he was in an accident- you get the picture. I was frazzled all the time. But this was the early 80's and parenting and school looked a bit different then:) My parents did what they thought was best at the time (hint: spanking just made me cry even more).

It wasn't until college that I realized what I had actually had a name, anxiety. I loved teaching, but my favorite part was always connecting with kids. I wanted to be a counselor like the one I needed when I was growing up.

This is my seventh year as the Ridgetop Counselor, and I wouldn't work anywhere else. Cross my heart. This is my tribe. If you've already read this far, thank you!

I visit classrooms bimonthly, seeing PK-2nd grade one week and 3rd-5th grade the following week. The lessons usually last 30-40 minutes, depending on age group and topic. My classroom lessons will be in English and cover topics like:

• Acceptance/Equity Building

• Anti-Racism

• Anxiety, Worry, Stress Management

• Assertiveness

• Bullying

• Career

• Communication & Collaboration

• Conflict Resolution

• Empathy

• Friendship & Kindness

• Goal Setting & Decision Making

• Grief

• Growth Mindset

• Personal Safety

• Self- Awareness

• Self-Management and Self Regulation

• Social Skills

• Team Building

While twice a month might not seem like much, SEL is embedded throughout the school day at Ridgetop. Teachers are also responsible for implementing the new Character Strong Curriculum throughout the week. As a campus, we focus on a different character trait each month. We kicked off the year with kindness and have moved on to respect. The character traits are reinforced over the morning announcements, in my counseling lessons, the teacher SEL lessons, morning meetings, and basically everywhere. It's the way we roll.

Students can be referred by teachers, staff members, parents or themselves. The best way to communicate with me is through email at christina.lopez@austinisd.org. I will do my very best to get back to you within 24 hours, but there are times when that is just not possible. I am not purposely ignoring or putting anyone off, it just means something has come up that needs my full attention.

Students in grades 2-5 can self-refer by filling out a blue counseling form outside my door and placing it inside my white mailbox. Teachers or parents will usually message me if they would like me to check in with a younger student. Please keep in mind that there are 400 students on campus, and it can take time before I'm able to see them. Before writing me a blue slip I request that they try to problem solve with a friend or their classroom teacher, if it is something they are comfortable sharing. I do prioritize how I see students. For example, if a student is experiencing a family crisis, I will meet with them before a student with friendship challenges.

Beginning in October, I will begin working with small groups (social skills, friendships, self control, anxiety). Small groups are need-based, and unfortunately, not all students can participate. There are many things taken into account when forming groups (topic, age, number of participants, connection between kids, schedule, other services...). These students are suggested from observations and teacher referrals.

It is important to remember that I am not a therapist and DO NOT offer long term counseling. As a school counselor, I am able to offer "Solution - Focused Brief Counseling" to students whose struggle is interfering with their school success. I can meet with students a few times and can make a referral if further support is needed.

Parents will be notified of a child’s visit, depending on the nature of the visit. Parents must grant permission for a student to participate in a small group outside of the classroom curriculum and individual brief counseling.

Typically, parents are not notified of student/counselor “Check-In” unless a concern with a student warrants short term counseling and parent permission. I will also share if the student gives me permission.

• I respect the right to the confidentiality of students, parents, teachers and other school staff.

• Disclosures of abuse and/or imminent danger to self or others are reported to the appropriate agency in accordance with the law.

• Situations jeopardizing student safety including incidents of abuse, imminent danger to self or others, bullying, and sexual harassment are reported to the campus administrator in accordance with school policy.

More details to come for our 2024-2025 Caregiver Connection opportunities.

Email: christina.lopez@austinisd.org
Location: 5005 Caswell Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: (512) 937-2510