Guidance & Counseling

Sylvia Gamboa

Sylvia Gamboa

Director of Guidance and Counseling

956-430-9520

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Secretary: Diana Dominguez

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Mission Statement

The Guidance and Counseling Department in Harlingen CISD is an integral part of the total educational program. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, developmental guidance and counseling program which is vital in the achievement of excellence. All students will be provided the opportunity to develop the academic, social, personal, college and career competencies needed to prepare them for post-secondary options, which includes work, military, higher education, and preparation as productive citizens and lifelong learners.

El departamento de consejería y orientación del distrito escolar de Harlingen es una parte integral del programa educativo en su totalidad. Nuestra misión es proveer un programa de consejería y orientación comprensivo el cual es vital en el logro de la excelencia. Todos los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de desarrollar competencias de desarrollo académico, social, personal, así como competencias universitarias y de carreras profesionales necesarias para prepararlos para opciones post-secundarias, incluyendo preparación para el trabajo, el ejército, la educación superior y la preparación como ciudadanos productivos y aprendices de por vida.

Student Wellness Specialists

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Cathy Steadman

Student Wellness Specialist

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Angela Totman

Student Wellness Specialist

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LPC

Resources

The Harlingen CISD Crisis Team plays a crucial role in supporting campuses dealing with the loss of a student or staff member by providing immediate psychological support and counseling services. The team, composed of trained mental health professionals, offers grief counseling, facilitates group sessions, and provides resources to help students and staff cope with the emotional impact of the loss. This support is vital in maintaining the emotional well-being of the school community, fostering resilience, and ensuring that individuals have the necessary support to navigate their grief. By addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the campus, the Crisis Team helps restore a sense of normalcy and promotes a supportive environment where healing can begin.

Crisis Team List

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Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is crucial for both HCISD students and staff to understand emotions and utilizing that knowledge to navigate social interactions, manage stress, and make informed decisions. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence benefits everyone involved, contributing to a more supportive, productive, and emotionally health school environment.

Emotional Intelligence positively impacts students and staff:

  1. Enhanced Relationships: EI helps in building and maintaining positive relationships among students, staff, and the school community. It fosters self-awareness, self-regulations, motivation, empathy and social skills.

  2. Improved Decision Making: Individuals with high EI can make better decisions by understanding their emotions and those of others. This is extremely important in educational settings where decisions impact students' academic and emotional development.

  3. Reduced Conflict: EI equips individuals with skills to manage conflicts constructively. In schools, this can prevent disruptions, improve classroom dynamics, and create a more harmonious learning atmosphere.

  4. Better Mental Health: Developing EI skills promotes self-awareness and self-regulation, which are critical for mental well-being. This can reduce stress levels, anxiety, and other mental health issues among students and staff.

  5. Academic Success: Student with high EI often perform better academically. They are more motivated, resilient in the face of challenges, and able to focus on learning despite setbacks.

  6. Leadership Development: EI is essential for effective leadership. Staff with high EI can inspire and motivate students and colleagues, fostering a positive school culture and enhancing overall productivity.

ESA