There will be some newer faces around the elementary site starting the 2022-2023 school year. One new addition will be Candice Carter, the elementary school counselor. Ms. Carter brings a lot of experience to the site, having worked as an administrative counselor for five years at Encore Jr./Sr. High School and two years at Carter High School in Rialto.
The addition of Miss Carter comes at a great time as students have been impacted by some tragic events recently and returned from being isolated during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in late 2020.
She is very excited to join the elementary staff and work with Lucerne Valley Elementary students and parents.
“I’m excited,” she says. “Everyone’s working together, and the teachers have been so welcoming. I really feel this is where I’m supposed to be.”
She will work with the site's Positive Behavior and Supports (PBIS) team continuing to make the elementary site a safe and positive learning space for students. School counseling services are focused on the education and socialization of a child within the school community. Her services provide support and education, not long-term therapy, and are not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health disorder.
A lot has changed in the wake of the two year plus COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result students are adjusting to a “new normal.” Ms. Carter believes students can get acclimated and by learning new coping strategies can find a happy and meaningful school life.
“Let’s get back on track here,” she says. “We can build a new normal. It can be great. In fact, it can be even better. Communication is the best medicine in the world.”
Ms. Carter plans to see students in a one-on-one and group capacity. She also will work with staff providing professional development on various topics like conflict resolution, empathy, friendship, and social skills. If your child wants to see Ms. Carter for specific reasons, don't hesitate to contact the office or your child's teacher for a consent form.
Joining Ms. Carter are students Bella Audiss, Arianna Rocha and Elyzabeth York.