Our Cowan counselor is Michelle DeMarco.
You can reach me at 512-841-2700 x55124 or email me by clicking my name above.
What is a school counselor?
A counselor helps students fully develop their academic, career, personal and social
abilities as recommended by TEA and the ASCA national model.
In what ways does a school counselor help?
The counseling program can be broken down into four parts: Core Lesson Curriculum,
Responsive Services, Individual Planning, System Support.
Core Lesson Curriculum
The counselor meets with students directly in their classrooms once every three weeks
to help develop their academic, career, personal, and social abilities with whole class
guidance lessons. 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.
Responsive Services
The counselor provides individual assistance to students when a problem or concern is
affecting their educational achievement. Support may be given in a small group or
individually with parent/guardian’s written permission.
Individual Planning
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.
System Support
The counselor supports the student's educational achievement in partnership with
caregivers and staff through consultation. Consultations are provided by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 complete a Counselor Talk Time referral form
outside the counselor’s office. Caregivers may call or email counselor 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.
Academic and Therapeutic Referrals
The counselor will assist families with referrals to outside agencies as well as
appropriate school programs.
Confidentiality:
We respect the right to confidentiality of students, teachers, parents and staff. If you are
seeking information, we will let you know what we can share and what we can not
share. We will always ask the counselee for permission to share information with others
who we feel might need to know. Disclosure of abuse, sexual harassment, bullying
and/or imminent danger to self or to others are reported to the appropriate agency
and/or campus administrator in accordance with school policy and the law.