Counselors Corner

Hello DGIA Family! 

My name is Emily Kakuska, and I am the school counselor here at Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy! It has been my privilege to support the students and families of our school community since 2021. My role as a counselor is to help children navigate their social-emotional, college/career readiness and academic growth in a safe and supportive environment.

I believe that every child is unique and capable of overcoming challenges. I work closely with students to help them with motivation, decision making skills, behavior, goal setting, attendance, build self-confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and foster positive relationships with their peers. Whether it's through individual counseling, small group sessions, or classroom lessons, my goal is to ensure that each student feels heard, valued, and supported and above all else loved. 

In addition to working directly with students, I collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. I’m always available to provide resources, guidance, and support to help both children and parents succeed.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone, email and parent square!

I look forward to working with you and your child to make this a successful and enriching year!

If you would like to place a referral for your student, please scan the QR code below or click the link below

 

Warmly,
Emily Kakuska
KakuER@fusd.net  

(909) 357-5540

 

SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy's Counseling program offers a data-driven Comprehensive School Counseling Program that addresses the Academic, College & Career and Social-Emotional development needs of ALL students. 

 

SMALL GROUP COUNSELING

Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy's Counseling program provides small group counseling for students based on student need. Small group counseling helps students overcome barriers to achievement and success. It focuses on issues related to academic, college & career social-emotional development. Small group counseling is prioritized based on teacher feedback, parent concerns and student data analysis. To participate in small group counseling, students must have a parent or legal guardian sign a school counseling consent form. School counselors do not provide long-term therapy for psychological disorders. A student may participate in a small group for approximately 8–10 weeks. Small group counseling is confidential, planned, goal-focused, evidence-based, contributing to students' overall well-being and success.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy's Counseling program provides individual counseling for students based on student needs. It focuses on issues related to academic, college & career and social-emotional development. School counselors engage in individual student counseling support and well-being, as well as individual student appraisal and advisement.

SCHOOL WIDE ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES

Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy's Counseling program is dedicated to fostering student academic, college & career, and social-emotional development. The program offers a range of ongoing activities and initiatives, such as promoting 21st century skills, encouraging school attendance through Check-In Check out.  Implementing the P.B.I.S. (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) framework, and A.V.I.D. (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Elementary school-wide, among others, to help students achieve their fullest potential.

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES

• Crisis Responsive Services
• Restorative Practices
• Consultation and collaboration with staff and other stakeholders
• Referrals for additional in-district support and/or outside agencies

The School Counselor and Confidentiality - American School Counselor Association (ASCA

The School Counselor and Confidentiality Summary The relationship between students and their school counselor requires an atmosphere of trust and confidence. However, students should be informed that exceptions to confidentiality exist in which school counselors must inform others of information they obtained in the counseling relationship. www.schoolcounselor.org

 

Emily Kakuska

School Counselor, Dorothy Grant Innovations Academy 

(909) 357-5540 ext. 77203