Counseling Services
School Counseling Mission Statement
The mission of the Calla High School Counseling Department is to maximize learning for each and every student while supporting their social, emotional, academic and career development needs. A comprehensive, evidence-based, data-driven school counseling program provides equity and access to all students through the delivery of counseling, and individual counseling using a tiered system of support. The School Counselor is a student advocate that aids in the growth of every student as they develop the skills to maximize their education. Calla High School students will be able to think critically, have knowledge of colleges and careers, understand how to achieve their post-secondary goals and reach their fullest potential as productive and responsible citizens.
School Counseling Vision Statement
The vision of the Calla High School Counseling Department is for all students to achieve to their full potential in the pursuit of their post-secondary plans. All students will understand how to contribute positively to a global society with confidence, respect and resiliency. All students will acquire the understanding on how to best utilize their knowledge in a way that supports their social/emotional, academic and career needs. All students will think critically, be responsible citizens, and act with integrity as they experience growth in their future professional and personal lives.
What does a School Counselor Do?
As the only school Counselor at Calla High School, I support the social/ emotional, academic and career development of all students. Using a brief solution-focused counseling orientation and evidence-based counseling techniques I work with students, staff and the community through a tiered system of support.
School Counseling Services
- Individual Short-Term Counseling
- Crisis Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Restorative Conflict Resolution (1 on 1 or Groups)
- School-wide or Classroom Presentations
- Provides Referrals to Outside Resources
- Facilitate school-based events and lunch with the Counselor to increase social development
School Counseling Belief Statements
- All students can learn
- All students can develop coping skills to meet social/emotional, academic, and career needs
- All students are capable of making responsible choices
- All students can have post-secondary success
- All students deserve unconditional, positive regard
- All students have the right to freely access the school counselor
- All students have the right to a school counselor that follows ethical and legal guidelines from a national body.
- School counselors will advocate for all students and will act in that capacity for each individual student.
Types of Groups Available
- Anxiety and Stress Management
- Academic Success
- Social Skills
- Emotional Regulation
- Self-Esteem
*Groups are subject to change based on the student needs
How do you Contact Me?
Students can email me to request an appointment. If I am busy or not in my office when school is in-session, you can also email me. I will respond to your email in the order received. If there is a crisis and I am on campus, the front office staff will notify me and I'll will follow up immediately. If I'm off-campus, the Ms. Bryson will follow up.
Email: hmercado@musd.net
Phone: (209) 858-7236
How do I See the Counselor?
(During the School Day) Students can visit during lunch break or during the DS class period. The Counselor may also request to see you, the Principal may request that you see the Counselor, a Parent/Guardian may make a request for their student to see the Counselor, a Teacher may make a request
for a student to see the Counselor and a friend/peer can make a referral on behalf of the student to see the Counselor.
(During Distance Learning) Phone call to the school, email, or Google Classroom Virtual Check-in during the Counselor's office hours.
When Can I See the Counselor?
During the school- prior to the start of the school day, during nutrition break, during lunch break or after school.
Please make prior arrangements with me or your teacher if you need to see me during class instruction time. You can only leave class during instruction for the following reasons: personal crises, peer crises or reporting a crises.
Where is the Counselor's Office?
The Counselor's office is located in the main office building.
How and Why Do Parents Contact the School Counselor?
Concerns or information regarding student achievement, family health problems, orientation, discussing needs of their student, discussion of potential crisis, family difficulties or concerns, scheduling, and parent education