Counseling Services

Welcome to the Rio Rancho Public Schools Guidance & Counseling Program. This site is designed to provide information about counseling services available throughout the district. It is also a support reference for parents and students.

District Wellness

District Wellness policy includes a plan to address the behavioral needs of all students in the educational process by focusing on students’ social and emotional well-being (6.12.6.8.D.6 NMAC)

Vision

Student Excellence

Mission Statement

The role of the counselor is to assist all students through a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program to reach their emotional, social, and academic potential.

Benefits of Counseling

Benefits for Students

Prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century through, academic, career, and personal/social development
Relates educational program to future success
Facilitates career exploration and development
Develops decision-making and problem-solving skills
Assist in acquiring knowledge of self and others
Enhances personal development
Assists in developing effective interpersonal relationship skills
Broadens knowledge of our changing world
Provides advocacy for students
Encourages facilitative, cooperative peer interactions
Fosters resiliency factors for students
Assures equitable access to education

Benefits for Parents

Prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century through, academic, career, and personal/social development
Provides support for parents in advocating for their child’s academic, career, and personal/social development
Develops a system for their child’s long-range planning and learning
Increase opportunities for parent/school interaction
Enables parents to access school and community resources

Counseling Resources

Online Counseling Sites

Career & Workforce Resources
Parent Online Resources
- Early Reading Information
- Khan Academy
- PowerSchool - Grades/Attendance
- Strengthening Families Program
  Parenting and family strengthening program for high-risk and regular families
SAT/ACT Information
- ACT
  Learn more about the ACT and register for the test.
- Official SAT Practice
  A free online SAT Prep that incorporates a catalog of over 100 math, reading, and writing study guides, 5000 SAT vocabulary flash cards, and SAT practice tests.
- SAT/Collegeboard
  SAT test information and registration on the College Board Website. Information also available on Advanced Placement (AP) classes, college searches and college planning.
Student Online Resources
- Homework Help
  - 1. Online Resource Directory
    Get help with homework & research!
  - 2. PowerSchool - Grades/Attendance
  - Homework Help from Alb. Public Library
- Reading and Math Sites
  - Khan Academy
    Video Tutorials on almost any subject!
  - Math Games for Kids
- PowerSchool - Grades/Attendance

Dual Credit Courses

Helping our Sandoval County youth obtain an education
for a career so they can enjoy a fuller life.

To learn more about the Schumman Foundation please click here.

Counseling Programs at Each School
Click the link below to visit a specific school's Counselor web page:

Elementary
> Cielo Azul
> Colinas del Norte
> Enchanted Hills
> Ernest Stapleton
> Maggie Cordova
> Martin Luther King, Jr.
> Puesta Del Sol
> Rio Rancho
> Sandia Vista
>Vista Grande

Middle
> Eagle Ridge
> Lincoln
> Mountain View
> Rio Rancho

> Rio Rancho Cyber Academy

High
> Rio Rancho
> V. Sue Cleveland
>Independence
> Rio Rancho Cyber Academy

Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Programs

Elementary School Programs

Why Elementary School Counselors? (View the Elementary Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program Description)

Children today are getting ready for a changing world with more technology, and more options about when and where to work. Businesses tell us, more need to work cooperatively with others (Rocket scientists say that the people in change of fuel need to talk to the people in charge of design). Education needs to keep pace, and children’s attitudes about their competence as learners and their ability to get along with others is a key to their future.

Rio Rancho Schools is dedicated to…
The professional elementary school counselors is a big piece of the action.

We impact academics. How?

We teach life skills that enhance students’ ability to learn.
- Decision making to increase ability to set and step-up to goals.
- Problem-solving skills to help kids focus on solutions rather than blame.
- Understanding of self and others, which has been linked to ability to make friends and get along with others.
We work with teachers and parents to help individual students make gains they need.
- We consult on strategies to enhance the ability to learn.
- We help identify students needing additional assistance and then we help to find it.
- We help identify personal factors that get in the way of learning and help families and students cope with these issues.
We help students get ready for the world of work.
- We provide career awareness.
- We help kids understand how their current learning and interests link to future work and opportunities.
- We help students develop leadership skills, with programs like Conflict Mediation, Student Council, etc.

Middle School Programs

Why Middle School Counselors? (View the Middle School Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program Description)

Today’s young people live in a changing world with an increasingly diverse society, and new technologies that are expanding opportunities for careers & leadership. Education needs to keep pace to help them realize their academic potential while dealing with the developmental issues mid-schoolers face:

a search for their unique identity,
sensitivity to comments from others and
heavy reliance on friends for support and approval

The students need to explore a variety of interest and connect learning to practical application.

Middle School Counselors in RRPS are committed to helping all students, through a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program, to reach their academic potential along with social and emotional well-being. We teach life skills that help students learn and work effectively with others:

Organizational, study & test-taking skills
Goal-setting and decision-making
How academics & interests link to future work and opportunities
Understanding of self and others
Communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving
Importance of healthy life choices
Leadership development

We work with parents, teachers, administrators and our community

We provide information to parents about academic planning programs, college and career exploration and outside resources
We consult and plan with teachers about students’ academic needs and available resources
We help administrators develop a campus that is emotionally safe and supportive, while academically rigorous

High School Programs

Why High School Counselors? (View the High School Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program Description)

Today’s young people live in a changing world an increasingly diverse society with new technologies that are expanding opportunities for careers & leadership.

Education needs to keep pace to help them realize their academic potential while dealing with the developmental issues high school students face: a search for their unique identity, sensitivity to the comments from others and heavy reliance on friends for support and approval. Students need to explore a variety of interests and connect learning to practical application.

High School Counselors in RRPS are committed to helping all students, through a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program to reach their academic potential along with social and emotional well-being

The professional High School counselor is a major resource. We impact academics. How?

We teach life skills that enhance students’ ability to learn:

To develop and use skills to handle their emotional and physical needs as productive citizens
To use stress management techniques
To recognize harassing language, actions and touch and assert themselves appropriately
To recognize situations and issues that need adult help and to find help in appropriate ways
To understand and follow rules and laws for protection and rights
To understand effects of their words and actions and to use appropriate communication and conflict mediation skills
To understand and respect others differences, including culture, disabilities and sexual orientation

We teach skills for academic success:

To become motivated and self-directed in striving for excellent academic performance
To develop awareness of aptitudes and interests and how they help determine fields of study and work
To understand assessment tools and use them to improve performance and to make academic choices
To maintain an appropriate balance among academic, extracurricular, social and work activities
To use time and stress management skills
To accept adult feedback on academic work, such as corrected papers, grades and assessments; to use that feedback to develop better performance; to accept mistakes as part of the learning process
To accept responsibility for and to do quality work on homework, individual and group projects and other learning activities

We help students get ready for the world of work:

To understand career planning and to choose courses to support their goals
To understand that continuing education and retraining may be requirements in an ever-changing future workplace
To understand and use planning skills in choosing a career path
To understand occupational classification and assessment of readiness for post-secondary education and occupational development
To understand their developing interest in social awareness and how it can relate to future careers
To understand how academic performance and career choices influence future financial, personal and professional success

How to Help Your Student Succeed in School

Elementary

Prepare for School	During the School Year	How to Get Involved
Look on School website before school year starts for important dates Meet your child’s teacher/ Find out who Teacher is Tour the school to find out where classroom is Acquire necessary school supplies Meet with the School Counselor or Principal if you have any concerns or questions Set up a family calendar so your children can have a sense of when the school year begins, when weekly activities are when breaks will be, etc. Set up cafeteria/lunch account for your child Begin earlier bedtime routines about 2 weeks before school starts to help prepare your child for earlier waking hours; remember that the average elementary aged child needs between 10-12 hours of sleep Make sure your child knows where his or her bus stop is, or if they will be walking to school, make sure they know where the crossing guards will be & teach them safe walking practices Talk to your children about the importance of school and learning Help your child to get organized by setting up their backpacks, folders, etc. Try to set up fun learning activities during the summer and school year to help facilitate and maintain a love of learning Remember, you only get to enjoy they will only be this age once in their lives!	Encourage your child to make new friends and maintain old friendships. Make sure you know what your child’s “homework folder” looks like Check your child’s “homework folder” or agenda daily for what is due so you can stay on top of projects/homework Discuss what happened at each school day Have a specific time and a quiet, well-lit place set aside for doing homework. Turn off the TV/radio/video games for homework time. Make sure your child is eating a healthy breakfast every day; research shows that this is the most important meal of the day In addition to making sure your child eats healthy foods, also ensure that they get enough sleep and exercise. Make sure your child is gets to school on time Talk with your child about the importance of attending school regularly Schedule Dr. and Orthodontic appointments after or before school, when possible Make sure to take family trips and vacations during our scheduled breaks; missed class time can never really be “made up” because they miss a lot of important information/interaction. Provide incentives to improve your child’s attendance & behavior Support school rules and consequences for attendance & behavior Talk to someone if your child does not want to go to school or if they are telling you about problems/concerns. Work with your child’s teacher if you have any concerns and encourage your child to talk to you about problems with other kids Serve as a positive role model to your child; set good examples as an adult; eat healthy, take care of yourself, read daily, etc. Keep lots of books on hand to encourage reading – kids should be reading every night or parents can be reading to younger kids nightly Get involved! Volunteer in your child’s classroom or in other areas of the school	Research shows that students with parents who are involved in their children’s education achieve more. If you don’t have time to volunteer in your child’s classroom, the next best place to start, is at home. Be involved by knowing what your child is working on, oversee their homework, make sure to stay connected to your child’s teacher, and encourage a healthy love of learning. Make learning a daily practice Encourage your child to read daily Provide your child with age-appropriate reading materials (you can find out the level from the teacher and then find books on that level at your local Library) Take an interest in your child’s schoolwork and activities – attend field trips if you can Designate a workplace for your child that is quiet and done daily at a specific time Communicate with your child’s teacher Practice new skills by playing games, using flash cards, or using computer based interactive programs (most Teachers know about these sites, so be sure to ask) Visit local parks, museums, zoos, and local landmarks so your children have a broader knowledge base Have your child help you with grocery lists, keep track of pricing items while shopping, write letters to family members, friends, etc. Talk to and listen to your child every day: Ask questions Volunteer for your School’s PTA or PTO Take School surveys sent by Principals , Counselors or Teachers, this provides valuable input and feedback Attend all School functions to incorporate a union between home & school If available in your child’s school, take advantage of classes offered such as parenting, Living with ADHD, etc. Limit TV & video game playing during school days Assign weekly chores to facilitate responsibility and respect Encourage your child to get involved with extra-curricular activities such as sports, band, Boy or Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, etc.

Prepare for School

During the School Year

How to Get Involved

Look on School website before school year starts for important dates

Meet your child’s teacher/ Find out who Teacher is
Tour the school to find out where classroom is
Acquire necessary school supplies
Meet with the School Counselor or Principal if you have any concerns or questions
Set up a family calendar so your children can have a sense of when the school year begins, when weekly activities are when breaks will be, etc.
Set up cafeteria/lunch account for your child
Begin earlier bedtime routines about 2 weeks before school starts to help prepare your child for earlier waking hours; remember that the average elementary aged child needs between 10-12 hours of sleep
Make sure your child knows where his or her bus stop is, or if they will be walking to school, make sure they know where the crossing guards will be & teach them safe walking practices
Talk to your children about the importance of school and learning
Help your child to get organized by setting up their backpacks, folders, etc.
Try to set up fun learning activities during the summer and school year to help facilitate and maintain a love of learning
Remember, you only get to enjoy they will only be this age once in their lives!

Encourage your child to make new friends and maintain old friendships.

Make sure you know what your child’s “homework folder” looks like
Check your child’s “homework folder” or agenda daily for what is due so you can stay on top of projects/homework
Discuss what happened at each school day
Have a specific time and a quiet, well-lit place set aside for doing homework. Turn off the TV/radio/video games for homework time.
Make sure your child is eating a healthy breakfast every day; research shows that this is the most important meal of the day
In addition to making sure your child eats healthy foods, also ensure that they get enough sleep and exercise.
Make sure your child is gets to school on time
Talk with your child about the importance of attending school regularly
Schedule Dr. and Orthodontic appointments after or before school, when possible
Make sure to take family trips and vacations during our scheduled breaks; missed class time can never really be “made up” because they miss a lot of important information/interaction.
Provide incentives to improve your child’s attendance & behavior
Support school rules and consequences for attendance & behavior
Talk to someone if your child does not want to go to school or if they are telling you about problems/concerns.
Work with your child’s teacher if you have any concerns and encourage your child to talk to you about problems with other kids
Serve as a positive role model to your child; set good examples as an adult; eat healthy, take care of yourself, read daily, etc.
Keep lots of books on hand to encourage reading – kids should be reading every night or parents can be reading to younger kids nightly
Get involved! Volunteer in your child’s classroom or in other areas of the school

Research shows that students with parents who are involved in their children’s education achieve more. If you don’t have time to volunteer in your child’s classroom, the next best place to start, is at home. Be involved by knowing what your child is working on, oversee their homework, make sure to stay connected to your child’s teacher, and encourage a healthy love of learning.

Make learning a daily practice

Encourage your child to read daily
Provide your child with age-appropriate reading materials (you can find out the level from the teacher and then find books on that level at your local Library)
Take an interest in your child’s schoolwork and activities – attend field trips if you can
Designate a workplace for your child that is quiet and done daily at a specific time
Communicate with your child’s teacher
Practice new skills by playing games, using flash cards, or using computer based interactive programs (most Teachers know about these sites, so be sure to ask)
Visit local parks, museums, zoos, and local landmarks so your children have a broader knowledge base
Have your child help you with grocery lists, keep track of pricing items while shopping, write letters to family members, friends, etc.
Talk to and listen to your child every day: Ask questions
Volunteer for your School’s PTA or PTO
Take School surveys sent by Principals , Counselors or Teachers, this provides valuable input and feedback
Attend all School functions to incorporate a union between home & school
If available in your child’s school, take advantage of classes offered such as parenting, Living with ADHD, etc.
Limit TV & video game playing during school days
Assign weekly chores to facilitate responsibility and respect

Encourage your child to get involved with extra-curricular activities such as sports, band, Boy or Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, etc.

Middle School

Prepare for School	During the School Year	How to Get Involved
Look on the School website before the school year starts for important dates Meet your child’s teacher/ Find out who Teacher is Tour the school to find out where the classroom is Acquire necessary school supplies Meet with the School Counselor or Principal if you have any concerns or questions Set up a family calendar so your children can have a sense of when the school year begins, when weekly activities are when breaks will be, etc. Set up cafeteria/lunch account for your child Begin earlier bedtime routines about 2 weeks before school starts to help prepare your child for earlier waking hours; remember that the average elementary aged child needs between 10-12 hours of sleep Make sure your child knows where his or her bus stop is, or if they will be walking to school, make sure they know where the crossing guards will be & teach them safe walking practices Talk to your children about the importance of school and learning Help your child to get organized by setting up their backpacks, folders, etc. Try to set up fun learning activities during the summer and school year to help facilitate and maintain a love of learning Remember, you only get to enjoy they will only be this age once in their lives!	Encourage your child to make new friends and maintain old friendships. Make sure you know what your child’s “homework folder” looks like Check your child’s “homework folder” or agenda daily for what is due so you can stay on top of projects/homework Discuss what happened at each school day Have a specific time and a quiet, well-lit place set aside for doing homework. Turn off the TV/radio/video games for homework time. Make sure your child is eating a healthy breakfast every day; research shows that this is the most important meal of the day In addition to making sure your child eats healthy foods, also ensure that they get enough sleep and exercise. Make sure your child gets to school on time Talk with your child about the importance of attending school regularly Schedule Dr. and Orthodontic appointments after or before school, when possible Make sure to take family trips and vacations during our scheduled breaks; missed class time can never really be “made up” because they miss a lot of important information/interaction. Provide incentives to improve your child’s attendance & behavior Support school rules and consequences for attendance & behavior Talk to someone if your child does not want to go to school or if they are telling you about problems/concerns. Work with your child’s teacher if you have any concerns and encourage your child to talk to you about problems with other kids Serve as a positive role model to your child; set good examples as an adult; eat healthily, take care of yourself, read daily, etc. Keep lots of books on hand to encourage reading – kids should be reading every night or parents can be reading to younger kids nightly Get involved! Volunteer in your child’s classroom or in other areas of the school.	Research shows that students with parents who are involved in their children’s education achieve more. If you don’t have time to volunteer in your child’s classroom, the next best place to start is at home. Be involved by knowing what your child is working on, oversee their homework, make sure to stay connected to your child’s teacher, and encourage a healthy love of learning. Make learning a daily practice Encourage your child to read daily Provide your child with age-appropriate reading materials (you can find out the level from the teacher and then find books on that level at your local Library) Take an interest in your child’s schoolwork and activities – attend field trips if you can Designate a workplace for your child that is quiet and done daily at a specific time Communicate with your child’s teacher Practice new skills by playing games, using flashcards, or using computer-based interactive programs (most Teachers know about these sites, so be sure to ask) Visit local parks, museums, zoos, and local landmarks so your children have a broader knowledge base Have your child help you with grocery lists, keep track of pricing items while shopping, write letters to family members, friends, etc. Talk to and listen to your child every day: Ask questions Volunteer for your School’s PTA or PTO Take School surveys sent by Principals, Counselors or Teachers, this provides valuable input and feedback Attend all School functions to incorporate a union between home & school If available in your child’s school, take advantage of classes offered such as parenting, Living with ADHD, etc. Limit TV & video game playing during school days Assign weekly chores to facilitate responsibility and respect Encourage your child to get involved with extra-curricular activities such as sports, band, Boy or Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, etc.

Prepare for School

During the School Year

How to Get Involved

Look on the School website before the school year starts for important dates

Meet your child’s teacher/ Find out who Teacher is
Tour the school to find out where the classroom is
Acquire necessary school supplies
Meet with the School Counselor or Principal if you have any concerns or questions
Set up a family calendar so your children can have a sense of when the school year begins, when weekly activities are when breaks will be, etc.
Set up cafeteria/lunch account for your child
Begin earlier bedtime routines about 2 weeks before school starts to help prepare your child for earlier waking hours; remember that the average elementary aged child needs between 10-12 hours of sleep
Make sure your child knows where his or her bus stop is, or if they will be walking to school, make sure they know where the crossing guards will be & teach them safe walking practices
Talk to your children about the importance of school and learning
Help your child to get organized by setting up their backpacks, folders, etc.
Try to set up fun learning activities during the summer and school year to help facilitate and maintain a love of learning

Remember, you only get to enjoy they will only be this age once in their lives!

Encourage your child to make new friends and maintain old friendships.

Make sure you know what your child’s “homework folder” looks like
Check your child’s “homework folder” or agenda daily for what is due so you can stay on top of projects/homework
Discuss what happened at each school day
Have a specific time and a quiet, well-lit place set aside for doing homework. Turn off the TV/radio/video games for homework time.
Make sure your child is eating a healthy breakfast every day; research shows that this is the most important meal of the day
In addition to making sure your child eats healthy foods, also ensure that they get enough sleep and exercise.
Make sure your child gets to school on time
Talk with your child about the importance of attending school regularly
Schedule Dr. and Orthodontic appointments after or before school, when possible
Make sure to take family trips and vacations during our scheduled breaks; missed class time can never really be “made up” because they miss a lot of important information/interaction.
Provide incentives to improve your child’s attendance & behavior
Support school rules and consequences for attendance & behavior
Talk to someone if your child does not want to go to school or if they are telling you about problems/concerns.
Work with your child’s teacher if you have any concerns and encourage your child to talk to you about problems with other kids
Serve as a positive role model to your child; set good examples as an adult; eat healthily, take care of yourself, read daily, etc.
Keep lots of books on hand to encourage reading – kids should be reading every night or parents can be reading to younger kids nightly

Get involved! Volunteer in your child’s classroom or in other areas of the school.

Research shows that students with parents who are involved in their children’s education achieve more. If you don’t have time to volunteer in your child’s classroom, the next best place to start is at home. Be involved by knowing what your child is working on, oversee their homework, make sure to stay connected to your child’s teacher, and encourage a healthy love of learning.

Make learning a daily practice

Encourage your child to read daily
Provide your child with age-appropriate reading materials (you can find out the level from the teacher and then find books on that level at your local Library)
Take an interest in your child’s schoolwork and activities – attend field trips if you can
Designate a workplace for your child that is quiet and done daily at a specific time
Communicate with your child’s teacher
Practice new skills by playing games, using flashcards, or using computer-based interactive programs (most Teachers know about these sites, so be sure to ask)
Visit local parks, museums, zoos, and local landmarks so your children have a broader knowledge base
Have your child help you with grocery lists, keep track of pricing items while shopping, write letters to family members, friends, etc.
Talk to and listen to your child every day: Ask questions
Volunteer for your School’s PTA or PTO
Take School surveys sent by Principals, Counselors or Teachers, this provides valuable input and feedback
Attend all School functions to incorporate a union between home & school
If available in your child’s school, take advantage of classes offered such as parenting, Living with ADHD, etc.
Limit TV & video game playing during school days
Assign weekly chores to facilitate responsibility and respect

Encourage your child to get involved with extra-curricular activities such as sports, band, Boy or Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, etc.

High School

Prepare for School	During the School Year	How to Get Involved
Look on the School website before the school year starts for important dates	Encourage your child to make new friends and maintain old friendships. Make sure you know what your child’s “homework folder” looks like.	Research shows that students with parents who are involved in their children’s education achieve more. If you don’t have time to volunteer in your child’s classroom, the next best place to start, is at home. Be involved by knowing what your child is working on, oversee their homework, make sure to stay connected to your child’s teacher, and encourage a healthy love of learning.

Prepare for School

During the School Year

How to Get Involved

Look on the School website before the school year starts for important dates

Encourage your child to make new friends and maintain old friendships.

Make sure you know what your child’s “homework folder” looks like.