Baranoff Counseling Program

You may reach us through email, phone (512-841-7100) or by completing the Counselor Check in Request Form

Jane Tackett on campus Wed. afternoon, Thurs. & Fri.

jane.tackett@austinisd.org

Denise Solis on campus everyday

denise.solis@austinisd.org

Connie Thomas on campus Mon., Tues & Wed. morning

connie.thomas@austinisd.org

A counselor helps students fully develop their academic, career, personal and social abilities as recommended by TEA and the ASCA national model.

The counseling program can be broken down into four parts: Core Lesson Curriculum, Responsive Services, Individual Planning, System Support.

The counselor meets with students directly in their classrooms on a bi-monthly basis to help develop their academic, career, personal, and social abilities. Examples of activities include conflict resolution, healthy study habits, team building, character education, peer pressure, career, and communication. All classroom lessons are designed based on classroom needs.

The counselor provides individual assistance to students when a problem or concern is affecting their educational achievement. The counselor may also meet with small groups of children who share similar concerns.

The counselor assists students with transitions to middle school, goal setting, classroom behavior support and can provide resources to parents depending on student's needs.

The counselor supports the students' educational achievement in partnership with caregivers and staff through consultation. Consultations are provided by appointment.

How does a caregiver or student contact the counselor?

Counselor requests can be completed by teachers/staff, students or caregivers. Students can notify their teacher or message a counselor through BLEND. Caregivers may call, email, or complete a check in request to set up appointments.

Are caregivers notified when a student visits the counselor?

Caregivers will be notified of a child's visit depending on the nature of the visit.

What is a student/counselor "Check-In"?

This is an opportunity for the counselor and student to briefly talk about items like the student's goals, concerns the student has trouble resolving, or a simple hug to get the day started. The school counselor does not provide therapy but will provide therapeutic referrals at caregiver's request.

The counselor will assist families with referrals to outside agencies as well as appropriate school programs.

I respect the right to confidentiality of students, caregivers, 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 of self or others, bullying and sexual harassment are reported to the campus administrator in accordance with school policy.