Counselor's Corner

Welcome Nessie Dragons!

The mission of the counseling department is to support the academic, social, and developmental needs of all students. During the year, students take part in weekly Nessie lessons that focus on character education and social skills. In addition to studying the PACE character traits (pacecommunity.org) and learning to solve problems and manage strong emotions (through Kelso’s Wheel and Second Step), there are three more curriculums in particular that we want to highlight. 

Over a decade ago, the West Valley School District approved and adopted the following three initiatives. First is our Personal Safety curriculum for 3rd and 4th graders. These lessons focus on dealing with strangers, knowing the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, and giving children the confidence to say no and tell an adult if someone tries to touch them inappropriately. Second is our Life Skills: Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Prevention curriculum. In 1st and 2nd grade, we focus on the difference between medicine and candy. The  goal is to prevent children from accidentally ingesting medicine because they thought it was candy. In 3rd through 5th grades, we focus on smoking prevention. We learn about the effects of cigarettes and nicotine on the body and mind. Third is the Preventing Youth Gun Violence lesson. This lesson teaches students what to do if they happen to come across an unattended firearm: never touch, leave the area, get an adult, guns are not toys. 

We’ll do these lessons throughout the school year. If you have any questions about any of these lessons, please feel free to call Mrs. Judy or Mrs. Dena at 922-5470 or email at [email protected] or [email protected]

We’re excited to have your child here at Ness Elementary! Please feel free to call the counseling center this year with any concerns you may have. We are here to support you and your child. Best wishes for a fantastic school year! 

If you have an emergency, please see the resources below for help:

1) 24 Hour Crisis Line  509-488-5611

2) First Call for Help - 509-838-4428

3) Regional Crisis Hotline - 1-877-266-1818

4) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255

5) Crisis Text Help line 741741

6) Call 911 if someone is in immediate crisis.