Welcome to the Primary Counselor Connection!

Welcome back to a new school year!

I am thrilled to see all our little Pirates back on campus and can’t wait to begin working with them! As always, my goal is to help each student develop socially, emotionally, and academically, guiding them to become the best versions of themselves.

As your school counselor, I wear many hats within the school community. My responsibilities include classroom guidance, individual and small group counseling, and consultations with teachers, parents, and administrators. I provide short-term, solution-focused counseling to maximize your child's educational opportunities. Additionally, I offer resources if you or your child need extra support. While I do not discipline students, I work closely with administration to support positive behavior strategies. In addition to classroom guidance lessons, I offer small group and individual counseling. These sessions are short-term and goal-oriented, designed to meet the immediate needs of students. Group counseling is an effective way to address students' academic, personal, social, and emotional needs. It provides a platform for students to learn from one another and find comfort in knowing their peers share similar experiences. Topics we might cover include managing feelings, self-regulation, self-awareness, and building friendships. Students can be referred for individual or small group counseling by parents, teachers, or the counselor. Please note that all meetings with the school counselor are confidential unless disclosure is necessary to prevent clear and imminent danger to the student or others. Please view Lytle Primary’s Limits of Confidentiality.

Let's make this year a fantastic journey of growth and learning!

-Martha Perez

Primary School Counselor

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to take action, speak out, and help shift the conversation around mental health.

Since its establishment in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has played a vital role in highlighting the struggles faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Now, more than ever, we are called to be part of this essential movement. Whether it's by sharing your story, raising awareness, or advocating for change, every action helps break the stigma and creates a more supportive, understanding world.

Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, but one theme resonates across all experiences: strength.

This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) celebrates this strength through its powerful theme: “In Every Story, There’s Strength.” This campaign honors the healing power of storytelling — a tool that fosters connection, inspires hope, and reminds us that we are not alone. Each story shared shines a light on the possibility of recovery and the inner resilience that drives emotional and mental healing.

Let your voice be part of the movement. Because in every story, there truly is strength.

National Alliance on Mental Health

Sesame Workshop Mental Health Awareness

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

May 9th is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day — a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of nurturing every child’s mental and emotional well-being.

In today’s world, mental health is a critical issue, and this is especially true for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 7 children between the ages of 3 and 17—about 13%—are currently diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health condition. These conditions can emerge early in life, and their prevalence often increases with age.

While raising awareness is essential, it’s equally important to recognize the broader impact children’s mental health can have on families and communities. When a child is struggling, their caregivers and loved ones often feel the weight too.

Children are among our most valuable treasures. On this day, we encourage families to pay attention to signs of emotional or behavioral challenges and to seek professional support when needed. Conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues can often be effectively diagnosed and treated—helping children lead healthier, happier lives.

By supporting children's mental health, we are investing in a brighter future for everyone.

SAMHSA

Guidance Focus for May: Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps students recognize and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through mindfulness, students will learn what it means to be present in the moment and explore the many benefits it offers. They will discover a variety of practical techniques—from mindful breathing and physical activity to using their five senses—that can help them stay focused and grounded.