Counseling
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive guidance program that will empower all students in developing the academic skills, personal growth, and positive relationships needed to become successful leaders. Every student has the ability to reach their potential with the support of educators, parents, guardians, and other community partnerships.
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Meet our team!
Shelli Stepps
Hello Branciforte families! My name is Shelli Stepps, and I am so happy to serve the Branciforte Middle School community as a counselor. This is my 5th year at B40 Middle, and I have been serving families and students from various backgrounds from kindergarten through 12th grade over the past 18 years. I thoroughly enjoy working with middle school aged students. Middle school can be fun, challenging, and rewarding, and I am here to help and support students in reaching their academic and personal goals during their time in our hive.
My goals are to be a guiding force in providing every student the opportunity to grow, and develop to their fullest potential. I believe as a counselor it is my duty to provide support, encouragement, and resources to facilitate that growth.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. I am at Branciforte Middle School Monday- Friday and my primary emphasis is on 7th and 8th grade students, but I am available to support all students on our campus.
(831) 429-3883 x52221
shellistepps@sccs.net
¡Hola familias de Branciforte! Mi nombre es Shelli Stepps y estoy muy feliz de servir a la comunidad de la escuela de Branciforte Middle School como consejera. Este es mi quinto año en B40 Middle, y he estado sirviendo a familias y estudiantes de diversos orígenes desde kinder hasta el grado 12 durante los últimos 18 años. Disfruto muchísimo trabajar con estudiantes de secundaria. La escuela secundaria puede ser divertida, desafiante y gratificante, y estoy aquí para ayudar y apoyar a los estudiantes a alcanzar sus metas académicas y personales durante su tiempo en nuestra escuela.
Mis metas incluyen lo siguiente: ser una fuerza guía para brindar a cada estudiante la oportunidad de crecer y desarrollarse a su máximo potencial. Creo que, como consejera, es mi deber brindar apoyo, ánimo y recursos para facilitar ese crecimiento.
Espero conocerlos y trabajar con todos ustedes. Estoy en la escuela secundaria Branciforte de lunes a viernes y mi énfasis principal es con los estudiantes de 7º y 8º grado, pero estoy disponible para apoyar a todos los estudiantes en nuestra escuela.
Nancy Garcia Puhvel
Hi Branciforte Bees! My name is Nancy Garcia Puhvel and I am grateful and excited to connect with all of our B40 students and parents. My primary focus is with the 6th graders, but I am available to all students.
I have been a part of the Santa Cruz City Schools community since 2007 as a School Counselor and have had the opportunity to work with students at all grade levels. There is something truly special about these middle school years and I’m proud to say that Branciforte Middle School is a place where students thrive. The staff here are extraordinary. Everyone does all they can to help our students feel welcome, safe, and empowered.
As a Counselor and first-generation college graduate, I understand the necessity for youth to have access to supportive educators that will not only be positive role models but also strong advocates in their academic and personal growth. I am bilingual in Spanish and take pride in connecting with families of diverse backgrounds.
My goal is to help our students build up their character, self-confidence, and motivation to succeed and be the best version of themselves.
Please feel free to reach out to me either by email or phone!
(831) 429-3883 x52124
nancygpuhvel@sccs.net
¡Hola abejas de Branciforte Middle! Mi nombre es Nancy García Puhvel y estoy agradecida y emocionada de conectarme con todos nuestros estudiantes y padres de B40. Mi enfoque principal es con los estudiantes de sexto grado, pero estoy disponible para todos los estudiantes.
He sido parte de la comunidad de las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Santa Cruz desde 2007 como Consejera Escolar y he tenido la oportunidad de trabajar con estudiantes de todos los grados. Hay algo realmente especial en estos años de la secundaria y me enorgullece decir que la escuela secundaria Branciforte es un lugar donde los estudiantes prosperan. Los maestros y otros líderes aquí son extraordinarios. Todos hacen todo lo posible para ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a sentirse bienvenidos, seguros y empoderados.
Como consejera y graduada universitaria de primera generación, entiendo la necesidad de que los jóvenes tengan acceso a educadores que los apoyen y que no solo sean modelos positivos a seguir, sino también fuertes defensores de su crecimiento académico y personal. Soy bilingüe en español y me enorgullezco de conectarme con familias de diversos orígenes.
Mi objetivo es ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a desarrollar su carácter, confianza en sí mismos y motivación para tener éxito y ser la mejor versión de sí mismos.
No dude en comunicarse conmigo por correo electrónico o por teléfono
What types of supportive programs are offered?
The Middle School Counseling program is designed to focus on improving school climate, social adjustment, and improving academic performance. Grade level programs focus on academic, careers, college and social/emotional development.
Some of the program components include:
All Grades:
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Anti-bullying month
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Self-care planning
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College awareness week
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Goal setting (academic & personal)
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Building school connectedness
6th Grade:
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5-6th grade transition planning
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Second Step—Social Emotional learning curriculum
7th Grade:
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College & Career exploration
8th Grade:
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Mindfulness curriculum
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A-G requirements
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8th –9th Grade transition planning
Why would I see a school counselor?
For Students:
Students may see the counselor for small group and individual counseling to assist with a variety of concerns and problems, including:
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Friendships
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Family
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Problem solving
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Academic support
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Grief and loss
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Conflict resolution
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Trauma support
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Emotional support (i.e. feelings of sadness/suicide prevention)
For Parents:
If a parent has an academic, social, or personal concern about their child, they are encouraged to contact the counseling office. The counseling office will help to arrange parent- teacher meetings, small group or individual counseling, as well as outside referrals to appropriate community resources.
How can I see a school counselor?
Students can see the counselor in any of the following ways:
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Self-referral
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Request of the counselor
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Parent referral
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Administrative referral
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Teacher or staff referral
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Referral by friend(s)
There are two counseling self-referral boxes. One is located outside of the counseling offices and the other is inside the library. There are forms to complete to drop in for the request.
