Counseling

2023-24 COURSE REGISTRATION INFORMATION

DM COUNSELING MISSION STATEMENT

The CDM counseling department’s vision is to help all students achieve their highest potential in academic, personal/social, and career development.

We believe:

Students are our highest priority.

In collaborating with students, educators, families, and community members to promote student achievement.

All students have the right to a safe and nurturing environment.

In the fundamental values of honesty, respect and responsibility and that every student has the right to be heard and treated with dignity.

In providing all students the knowledge of resources and opportunities available at CDM.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive counseling program that:

Serves all students.

Assists students with healthy decision making.

Is proactive and preventative in design.

Provides intentional guidance curriculum that targets knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Meet Your School Counselor
Role of the School Counselor

SHERRY MARTINEZ M.S.PPS

Middle School --School Counselor

Why did I become a School Counselor?

I'm not sure I chose School Counseling, I think this profession chose me. I knew that I wanted to work with kids and support academic growth, but when I got into the classroom, another aspect of student support struck me as important and that is the role of advocacy, academic support and mental health. School Counseling just fit that description and once I started, there was no way I was going back!

I knew that being a School Counselor was a big job, but I didn't realize how big until the pandemic hit. Once we hit that brick wall, I knew my job was more important than ever. I make it a point to give each student unwavering, unbiased, and non-judgmental support every day. I want to make sure that each child knows I am here for them and I am someone they can trust.

It is of utmost importance to me that I work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators to ensure a student is provided an educational experience that supports a quality education and has equal opportunities for all. I truly believe that providing students with a solid support system as well as a strong foundation in education can impact their future in a positive manner. I will always work to be a “path finder” not a “gatekeeper” with students.

Role of the Middle School Counselor.pdf (PDF)

Mental Health Strategies for Students

Role of the School Counselor

School Counselors work with student in three areas:

Academics, Social/Emotional and College and Career Readiness

We must, at a minimum, hold a Master's Degree in School Counseling
Meet state licensure/certification requirements
Uphold the American School Counselor Association Ethics and Standards
We work with students on supports in Tiered intervention services in academic and social/emotional areas
We do classroom guidance lessons. Topics can include: Signs of Suicide Intervention Programs, Schoolinks, our college and career readiness platform, Course Registration, Social/Emotional Supports and others
We conduct 1:1 short term counseling, we collaborate with parents, teachers and students to develop strategies for student success and we refer students to more intensive supports when deemed necessary
Work in tandem with School Social Workers, School Psychologists and Administration to build comprehensive supports for students

Tutoring

National Honor Society (NHS) Peer Tutoring Google Form

Mental Health Resources

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health emergency, please, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

Other resources include:

The National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (English) or 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish) or chat with a live person now.--Free and confidential calls 24/7. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or visit the Crisis Text Webpage. --Free 24/7 crisis text support

Teen Line: Teens Helping Teens: California Youth Crisis line for kids ages 12-24. 1-800-852-8336. Speak with another teen. 6pm-10pm.

Care Solace: Care Solace is a platform provided by the NMUSD School District to help people in need of mental health services get set up with a provider. If your child is struggling, please, reach out to your School Counselor to help walk you and your child through the Care Solace platform.

Parent Resources

Parental Help for Defiant Teenagers

Is your teenager violent, depressed, abusing alcohol or drugs, or facing other problems? Here’s how to ease the stress at home and help your teen transition into a happy, successful adult. Please visit "Help Guide."

Talking to Teens

We know that talking to your teenage child may be daunting at times. Talking to Teens is a resource that can help.

Test Anxiety Resource for Parents

NMUSD Life Hacks for Test Anxiety

Teen Vaping Resources for Parents

Vaping is dangerous. E-Cigs are readily available. This Scholastic article explains the health risks of Vaping.

Contact Us

Sherry Martinez
CdMMS School Counselor

Abbey Hill
CdMMS School Counselor

Counselors are available from 8:00am - 3:30pm. Please contact the counseling office if you would like to make an appointment. (Some appointments may be conducted by Zoom. )

Counseling webpage for High School

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