Welcome to Bluebonnet's Counselor's Corner!

Stephanie Reininger

I am excited to continue serving, in the counseling position, at BlueBonnet Elementary.  Prior to serving at BES, I was an educator for 22 years. I have served in elementary schools in NorthEast ISD in San Antonio, in Comal ISD, and an alternative school in New Braunfels ISD.  I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Texas in San Antonio, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Lamar University.

In my role as counselor at BlueBonnet Elementary, I work with and serve, students, parents, teachers and administrators to maximize and ensure school success for every student. With the use of whole group classroom guidance lessons, small group work and individual planning, students will learn valuable social and emotional skills, academic skills and confidence, and gain in personal self-reliance and self-esteem. 

RESPONSIVE SERVICES

Individual Support 

Counselors provide support for students through individual interactions in which they work together on a problem or a topic of interest. Individual counseling meetings offer students a safe environment in which to explore ideas, feelings, and behaviors. Counselors build trusting relationships with students and always consider their actions in terms of the rights, integrity, and welfare of students and families.
Individual counseling generally addresses the specific concerns of targeted students with identified needs. Students can be referred for counseling by parents/guardian, teacher, administrator or staff member. Counselors use individual counseling sessions to evaluate student needs and create plans for support. When appropriate, the Counselors may recommend that students receive additional support from school staff and/or outside resources.

Small Group Counseling

In small groups counseling, the Counselor works with two or more students together. Group size generally ranges from four to six members. Group counseling may be based on structured learning activities or may be flexible depending on the needs of the group. Group members have the opportunity to learn from each other. They can share ideas, give and receive feedback, increase their awareness, gain new knowledge, practice skills and think about their goals and actions.
Group counseling may be problem-centered, where attention is given to particular concerns or problems. Counseling may also be growth-centered, where general topics are addressed related to personal and academic development. Areas addressed during group counseling may include social skills development, family issues, anger management, or academic and behavioral concerns.

Consultation

The primary focus of consultation is to help parents, teachers, and administration to be more effective in working with each other on the behalf of students. This team approach is a key factor in supporting and advocating for our students. During consultation, the Counselors work with teachers or parents to identify problems and concerns, develop strategies to address student needs, and create systems to provide academic, emotional and/or behavioral supports for students. Consultation may take place in individual or group conferences, through staff development activities, or parent education classes.
Students may be referred to the counselor by his/her parent(s). Students may also request to see the counselor in the office. BE faculty and staff may refer students presenting a concern at school. If regular, continuing counseling is needed, a parent permission form will be sent home. Counseling services provided in a school setting are usually of short duration to facilitate student’s readiness to learn. Students needing additional counseling should seek assistance outside of the school. 

Contact Ms. Reininger   
e-mail: sreininger@bisdtx.org  tel. 512-772-7680