I am so excited to start the 24-25 school year at Greentree Elementary! This is the start of my 27th year as a school counselor. I have worked as a 4th grade teacher in Aldine ISD and as a school counselor for Aldine, Humble, and Conroe ISD. I was previously the school counselor at Shadow Forest Elementary for 15 years before leaving for Conroe ISD to be closer to home. I missed Humble and my many friends, so I am returning this year to be a Gator and work with a wonderful leadership team and staff.

I am a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. I am a proud U of H alumni...Go Coogs! I am married with one grown son and two fur boys. Any chance I have to get away, you will find me at the beach or on the lake.

I look forward to meeting all of our Gators and their families. Please reach out if I can be of assistance in any way!

Greentree Elementary Counseling Program:

The goal of Greentree Elementary’s School Counseling Program is to support students by providing a comprehensive guidance and counseling program. We will focus on the development of all students by enhancing their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Great 8 Guidance Lessons:

Guidance lessons are an essential part of the school counseling program.  The lessons will be based upon the Humble ISD Great 8 Skills. Guidance lessons are provided each quarter in a whole classroom setting.  Guidance lessons address social, emotional, and academic skills.

Each nine weeks, we will focus on one of the Great 8 skills during guidance lessons.  Below is a list of the skills that will be covered for the 24-25 school year:

1st 9 weeks - Decision Making

2nd 9 weeks - Personal Responsibility

3rd 9 weeks - Self Awareness

4th 9 weeks - Social Awareness

Small Group Counseling:

Small group counseling sessions are based on students' needs.  Groups will consist of 2-5 students and will provide instruction and skill development in social/emotional skills, as well as the Great 8 skills addressed in classroom guidance.   Your student will meet with Mrs. Zuercher, as well as other students with similar needs. Together they will meet for approximately five to six, 30-minute sessions. If your student is invited to a small group, parent permission will be required for them to take part.

Individual Counseling/Check Ins:

The counselor is always available to meet individually with students as needed. A student may need a one time drop-in visit to solve a conflict or talk out a specific situation, or they may need to visit for several sessions to learn strategies and skills to help cope with a difficult topic or manage uncomfortable feelings. A permission slip will be sent home, or shared electronically, if students need to visit with the counselor regularly. School counseling is meant to address any needs at school that the student might be experiencing. School counseling is also meant to be brief, (6) visits max, and solution focused.

Counseling Request Form

**Confidentiality** Please note that information discussed between your child and a counselor is confidential, unless they are planning on hurting themselves, hurting someone else or disclose that someone is hurting them. Please Note:  Although the information shared during counseling is confidential, because the child is a minor, parents/guardians have a right to be informed of their child’s general progress AND students may give permission to share information with their parents.

Please feel free to call or email with any needs or concerns . If you would like to meet in person, a meeting can be scheduled.. I can be reached by email  at dana.zuercher@humbleisd.net or by phone at (281) 641-1907.