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Counselor's Corner

Counselor Corner
Hello there! My name is Nicole Vandervort, and I am the School Counselor at Oak Groe Elementary School. I am so excited to be here and to support all your students and families. The goal of the counseling program is to ensure all students develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that will lead to behaviors that support academic achievement and social-emotional well-being.
 
I look forward to supporting your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or questions you may have about counseling support. If you would like to refer a student, please use the referral link located on the left hand side of this web page. 
 
- Mrs. V
Resources

Resources

Meet the School Counselor

Nicole Counselor
Mrs. Vandervort, BS. MA, PPS.
 
EDUCATION
Concordia University Irvine
B.S. Psychology
 
Concordia University Irvine
Masters of Education: Counseling
Pupil Personnel Services Credential
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: nbvandervort@capousd.org 
School Phone: 949-360-9001
Hours: E/O Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:30 - 3:00

Counseling Services

counseling services
Short-term Individual and Group Counseling 
Lunch Bunch
Second Step Curriculum 
Social-Emotional Learning
Restorative Practices
College & Career Lessons
School-wide Workshops
Conflict Mediations
Crisis Interventions
SST Interventions
Consultations
Referrals & Resources
Academic Support
 
Conversations between student and counselor are considered confidential. Unless the student shares that someone is harming them, they are harming themselves, they are harming someone else, or they give me permission to share with another trusting adult

CUSD Counselor Vision and Mission Statement

VISION STATEMENT:
The School Counseling Program strives to provide opportunities so that every student will acquire the social-emotional, academic, and career skills to reach their fullest educational potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others.
 
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of Capistrano Unified School District School Counselors is to provide a comprehensive counseling program that supports the whole child. School Counselors will focus on the needs, interests, and issues related to social-emotional, academic, and college/career development of all students through a multi-tiered system of support. School Counselors will advocate, collaborate and facilitate actions that promote a positive school climate, provide an opportunity for all students to access their education and achieve personal and academic success to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
SECOND STEP PROGRAM
second step
Second Step Posters
 
Capistrano Unified School District uses the Second Step program for all elementary and middle schools throughout the district. To learn more about SEL (Social Emotional Learning) click HERE. The evidence based Second Step SEL K-5 curriculum covers 4 main topics:
 
Skills for Learning
Empathy
Emotional Management
Problem Solving
 
If you would like to reinforce the lessons at home please feel free to access the Second Step Website and use the free Activation Keys for each grade level:
 
Kinder: SSPK FAMI LY70
1st Grade: SSP1 FAMI LY71
2nd Grade: SSP2 FAMI LY72
3rd Grade: SSP3 FAMI LY73
4th Grade: SSP4 FAMI LY74
5th Grade: SSP5 FAMI LY75
 
SEL