Counseling

Counseling Team:

Miranda Arias- Elementary School Counselor

Grades: K-4

Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology & Global Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill

Master’s in School Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill

Caitlyn Walsh- Middle School Counselor
Email: [email protected]
Grades: 5th-8th
Education: Bachelor’s in Developmental Psychology
Master’s in School Counseling from Plymouth State University.

Sarah Machak- High School Counselor

Email: [email protected]
Grades: 9-12

Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology from UC Irvine

Master’s in School Counseling from UNC Chapel Hill

How to meet with your counselor:

Student Requests

Please complete the student appointment request form linked here.

Parent Requests

Please email your school counselor to schedule a meeting or phone call.

If you have any questions regarding the 504 process feel free to message the contact below.

504 Plan Case Managers

Ms. Arias: K-4
Ms. Walsh: 5-8
Ms. Machak: 9-12
Nurse Shelby: Medical 504 Plans (Seizures, Diabetes, Critical Illness)

After Hours Emergencies: To reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or text HOME to 741741

Vision

The vision of the Durham Charter School Counseling Department is for our students to thrive as confident learners and compassionate leaders who embrace challenges with resilience and pursue their dreams with purpose. They are empowered with the skills and character to succeed in college, career, and life while contributing positively to their communities.

Mission

The mission of the Durham Charter School Counseling Department is to listen, guide, and empower every student to develop self-efficacy, persevere as a confident learner, and grow into a well-rounded citizen. Through a data-informed, ASCA-aligned program, we holistically support students in achieving personal well-being, academic growth, and readiness for the opportunities and challenges of college, career, and life.

Miranda Arias School Counselor (ES)
Caitlyn Walsh School Counselor (MS)
Sarah Machak School Counselor (HS)
Molly Teague College/Alumni Counselor

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programming

Each grade level at Durham Charter School uses a research based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program. In addition to the SEL program, students take the DESSA screener during the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The DESSA is a strengths based social emotional competencies assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to gauge students strengths and provide support in areas needing improvement. Student DESSA information is kept confidential within the counseling department. If you would like to opt your scholar in or out of the program, please contact your scholar’s school counselor.

ES
- Second Step is the social-emotional curriculum that we use at Durham Charter School for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. The curriculum consists of 4 Units, with 5 lessons in each Unit, for a total of 20 lessons. Unit 1 covers Growth Mindset and Goal-Setting, Unit 2 is all about Emotions and Emotional Regulation, Unit 3 covers Empathy and Kindness and Unit 4 lessons are related to Problem Solving.
- See the scope linked below for more information on each Second Step lesson’s objective and the CASEL Core Competencies which are: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision-Making. Second Step Scope
- In addition to these lessons, Ms. Arias will use DESSA data (for those who were given permission) to identify areas of strength and growth across grade levels. This information will help guide additional social-emotional lessons, activities, and small-group supports throughout the year based on the specific needs of our scholars.
MS
- This year, our middle school scholars will participate in age-appropriate lessons and activities designed to build skills such as self-awareness, managing emotions, healthy relationships, responsible decision-making, and coping with challenges.
- 4th & 5th Grade: Scholars will participate in Second Step lessons focused on growth mindset, goal setting, emotional management, empathy, and problem solving. See attachment here for lesson’s objectives. Second Step Scope
- 6th–8th Grade: Scholars will participate in Health & Wellness classes that provide opportunities to develop social-emotional skills while exploring topics related to personal hygiene, healthy choices, relationships, and overall wellness.

HS
- High School uses the Wayfinder SEL Program to support in students Social Emotional Development
- Students meet during advisory twice weekly to go through lessons based off the core skills progression.
- See below for the Core Skills Progression

Community Resources

Mental Health Agency: DCS partners with local therapy agency the AYA Center. Therapists may conduct sessions at school, at your home, or online. The family’s insurance will be billed.Students or parents may request this service by completing a referral form available through your scholar’s school counselor
El Futuro
NC 211 - Connect to a Community Resource
Durham Food Bank
Kramden Institute
Note in the Pocket - If you are in need of a referral for Note in the Pocket, please contact your scholar’s school counselor.

Grade Level Specific Counseling Resources

Elementary-
All children, but especially those that tend to be anxious or hyperactive, benefit greatly from having consistent routines and schedules. Schools provide such schedules, but it is important to also have similar routines at home as well. Consistent routines provide safety, trust, comfort and can help build emotional regulation for kids. Here are activities, charts, calendars, etc. that you can use to build and visualize you and your child’s daily routine.

PBS Kids: Creating Routines
Stress is a normal human experience. There is helpful stress, such as excitement over an event or nerves before trying something new but pushing through it. There is also harmful stress. This is the stress that we need to relieve and work to minimize, adults and kids alike. Here are some resources for stress relief in children.
- Article on Stress in Children from American Psychological Association
- Stress Relief Techniques for Kids including Belly Breathing, Journaling, Practicing Gratitude and more!
- 101 Stress Relief Activities for Kids
- If your child has experienced traumatic stress, you need to seek support and treatment from a doctor/mental health professional. The earlier, the better.
  - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children
  - Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Traumatic Events

Middle School-

Middle school is a big season of change. Scholars are shifting friend groups, comparing themselves to peers, managing social media and group chats, and figuring out who they are, all while school gets harder. It’s normal for these years to bring mood swings, worry, and moments of feeling left out. Warning signs to watch for include pulling away from friends, losing interest in things they used to enjoy, big changes in sleep or eating, or a drop in grades. Check in often, ask directly how they’re doing, and reach out to the school counselor early if you have any concerns. Here are some resources for middle school level support.

Activities in the Durham area

High School Resources

Durham Tech Information