Malakoff Elementary

Logo of Counselor's Corner featuring a stylized design representing guidance and support.

United ISD Mission Statement

WE ARE UNITED in providing a safe and nurturing environment that utilizes innovative and
diverse teaching strategies through the use of a rigorous curriculum, technology integration, and
strong parental engagement to inspire all students to become responsible and productive world citizens.

Guidance and Counseling Statement
The Guidance and Counseling department intentionally plans, organizes, and implements a
comprehensive school counseling program aligned to the Texas Model that assists all students in
their personal, social, academic, and career development. Professional School Counselors
(PSC’s) collaborate with stakeholders to meet the individual needs of each student by
implementing supports aiding in student growth which further cultivates their development into global citizens.

Guidance and Counseling – Professional school counselor beliefs

All students can achieve academic success given appropriate supports in safe and nurturing
environments while respecting their unique and diverse needs;
All students have value and the right to have access to a comprehensive school counseling program;
All students can grow personally when their social and emotional needs are met;
All school counselors will advocate for UISD student needs through student centered policies and procedures;
All school counselors understand student personal-social developmental stages and will
provide appropriate proactive and responsive counseling services.

Welcome from your School Counselor

Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to the Counselor’s Corner! I am proud to be your School Counselor for Dr. M.E. Malakoff Elementary School. I have the joy of working with students through classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individual counseling. I also collaborate with school staff and parents to best meet the needs of our students.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we will achieve great things!

Warm regards,
Mrs. C. Martinez

Phone: (956) 473-4808

Email: cmart03@uisd.net

Classroom Guidance Lessons

I visit each classroom multiple times throughout the school year and have the chance to interact with every student during these lessons. Lessons typically last 30 minutes and cover topics such as school-readiness skills, understanding feelings about self and others, problem-solving, friendship, and study skills.

Individual Counseling

Some students can benefit from one-on-one counseling regarding academic, social, or emotional challenges. It provides a safe space to address personal struggles, build coping strategies, and foster resilience outside of a group setting. Most sessions last 20–30 minutes and follow a predictable, repeatable routine to create a secure environment. Referrals can come from a teacher, parents and/or staff.

Small Group Counseling

A variety of small groups are offered to students who may benefit from spending extra time developing academic, social, or emotional skills alongside their peers, and to students who are coping with similar life situations. Groups can have anywhere from 3-12 members and usually meet once a week for several weeks.

Special Events

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SEL Day

SEL Day is a global, grassroots campaign for social-emotional learning to support children’s academic recovery, mental health, and well-being. It is an opportunity to collectively spread the word about the importance and impact of SEL. Working together we can raise awareness for SEL.

A science teacher demonstrates an experiment to a group of students in a classroom.

Unity Day

October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against bullying. As part of this important initiative, Unity Day serves as an annual event that encourages individuals and communities to come together in support of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. This day aims to foster healthier, more inclusive environments by promoting unity and respect for differences.

Three students stand in front of a colorful wall, each holding a paper with a different nature-themed artwork.

Career Day

Career Day introduces young students to various professiona through interactive presentations, guest speakers, and hands-on activties. It helps children connect their current education with future possibilities and broadens their horizons about different community and global roles.

A group of adults collaborate on a project in a library setting.

Parenting Partners

Parenting Partners is a program that empowers parents as leaders in their homes. The workshops are designed to provide parents with practical tools to support their children academically, emotionally, and socially while promoting engaged advocacy and leadership. Parenting Partners™ workshops blend parenting and leadership skills to empower parents as key contributors to their children’s academic success.

A classroom of students raise their hands to answer a question.