Student Support

Services of a counselor are available to our school families. Students have an opportunity to receive counseling on an individual, small, or large group basis. The purpose is to help children grow emotionally, socially, and academically. Parents are encouraged to call the school counselor for an appointment whenever the need arises.

Changemakers is a CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) approved Social Emotional Learning curriculum that focuses on implementing the following core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making and problem-solving. Changemakers was selected as an update from the Second Step curriculum because of its focus on educational equity, culturally responsive practices, brain- and developmentally-appropriate learning, trauma-informed care, and technology integration. These elements help build not only academic success but overall well-being in our students.

The Multi-Tiered System of Support Team (MTSS Team) is a school-based problem-solving group that meets regularly at each grade level. Grade level teacher will update the team on student progress and then present data on a small group of students that may benefit from intervention or update the committee on students previously discussed. When necessary, a plan will be established or adjusted to meet the needs of the students being discussed.

Student Success Teams are school based problem-solving groups whose purpose is to assist teachers with intervention strategies to deal with the educational and emotional needs of their students. Ottawa Hills Elementary School has a functioning team that meets to assist any teacher or parent who feels a student may need additional help beyond what the teacher is providing.