Joel Ramirez - Counselor
Welcome!
My name is Joel Ramirez, and I am the School Counselor for Ripon El.
My role is to support students’ academic success, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being so they can thrive at school.
School counseling services are preventative, supportive, and developmentally appropriate. I work closely with students, families, teachers, and staff to help create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students.
What Does the School Counselor Do?
The school counselor supports students in the following areas:
Academic Support
-
Organization and study skills
-
Goal setting
-
School engagement and motivation
-
Support during academic transitions
Social-Emotional Support
-
Emotional regulation
-
Friendship and peer relationships
-
Problem-solving and decision-making
-
Coping with stress, worry, or changes
School-Based Counseling Services
-
Short-term individual counseling
-
Small group counseling
-
Classroom guidance lessons
-
Crisis support and referrals when needed
Please note: School counseling is short-term and school-focused. It does not replace outside therapy or clinical mental health services.
How Can a Student See the Counselor?
Students may meet with the counselor in several ways:
-
Student self-referral (students may ask to see the counselor)
-
Teacher or staff referral
-
Parent/guardian referral
-
Administrative referral
Students are encouraged to seek help whenever they are feeling overwhelmed, upset, or need support. Asking for help is a positive and responsible choice.
Counseling Programs & Services
Counseling services are 6-8 sessions and are tailored to be age-appropriate for TK–8 students and may include:
-
Classroom lessons focused on social-emotional learning
-
Small group counseling (friendship skills, coping skills, etc.)
-
Individual student check-ins
-
Support during personal or school-related challenges
-
Crisis response and coordination with administration
Conversations with the school counselor are kept private whenever possible. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if:
-
A student may be in danger
-
Someone else may be in danger
-
There is a legal or school-required obligation to share information
In these situations, information is shared only with appropriate school staff or guardians to ensure student safety.
