Connecting Points: 

Counseling Program Needs Assessment Survey Feedback - SASM Education Partners 

Thank you to the parents/guardians and staff members who kindly responded to the Counseling Program Needs Assessment Surveys via Google Form link in the October Roadrunner Newsletter. Your input is VERY helpful! The responses received as of 10/22/2025 totals 83 (parents/ guardians = 66; teachers/staff members = 17) 

Classroom Counselor Introductions 

Thursday 10/16 and Monday 10/20 I visited each classroom to introduce myself as the new SASM School Counselor and explain my role as a “helping person.” I also presented information about feelings (referencing Disney Pixar movies Inside Out and Inside Out 2) and who students can go to as trusted adults to talk about their feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed my visits. A BIG thank you to students and teachers for the warm welcome! 

Morning Welcome & Lunch/Lunch Recess Duty 

I have also been meeting students daily 8:30-8:45am during my morning drop-off duty and 11:15am-1:05pm during my staff duty times within all three student lunches and lunch recesses each day. 

SASM Fall Bash 

I enjoyed welcoming students and meeting families while handing out goodie bags during our spectacular Fall Bash 10/17. What fun! 

APS Clothing Bank Coat Distribution 

In collaboration with Ms. Michelle, Health Assistant, I have been in contact with parents/guardians regarding students needing winter coats. I picked up coats Friday 10/17 and will be distributing them during school Monday 10/20. My thanks to Ms. Michelle for her teamwork! 

If your student needs a winter coat, socks, underwear, clothing, or other resources, please email me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu. I am happy to help.

Programming Updates: 

Classroom Guidance Lessons 

I am eager to start meeting regularly with all students in providing classroom guidance lessons for students at every grade level. Principal Gallegos and I will be meeting regarding the logistics and I hope to meet with teachers during grade levels meetings for their input. 

Small-Group Counseling 

I am in-process of receiving referrals of students needing some extra support to participate in small-group counseling (i.e. Friendship Skills Group); and organizing these groups. I will be planning the small-group counseling meeting schedule, sending home parent permission slips, and hope to start these small groups soon. More information to come! 

Health & Wellness Team 

The 2025/2026 SASM Health & Wellness Team is up and running! During October, as of mid-month, we've already held four meetings. The Health & Wellness Team reviews students who need additional support to reduce the barriers to learning. The goal of this team is to create a plan to help students succeed. Interventions are most successful when the school and the family work together. We welcome your participation in working with us. 

If you have any questions or have concerns regarding your student, you are invited to please contact me via email at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu . 

APS New "Reach Out Resources" Mental Health Campaign 

On October 15th APS launched a new web page on each school's website called Mental Health Resources. This is part of a larger Reach Out Resources: Nurturing Mental Wellness campaign. APS is distributing posters, cards, stickers, lanyards, and flyers to launch awareness of the new Reach Out Resources page on each school's website. Direct mailers with information will be sent by APS to families and a billboard campaign will launch as well. I have received and will be sharing Reach Out Resources in support of mental health for our students at SASM. 

🌟  Your child's well-being and success are at the forefront of my priorities. I look forward to partnering with you to ensure their journey at SASM is a positive and enriching one. 🌟

Dear San Antonito Elementary Families,

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share how I can be of assistance to your child's
educational journey.

My name is Erin Reilly Stroka (“Mrs. Stroka”), and I am honored to serve as the School Counselor at San Antonito STEM Magnet Elementary School! I am committed to supporting your child's emotional, social, and
academic development throughout their time here. I believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for your child's success, and I am here to be an integral part of that partnership.

My passion is advocating for, inspiring, and empowering students to believe in themselves, use their strengths to overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing my students inspired to explore, learn, grow, and succeed. I believe that every student has strengths, can learn and succeed!

The role of a school counselor is multifaceted, and my primary goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can thrive. Here are some ways in which I can assist your child:
1. Classroom Guidance: I collaborate with teachers to deliver classroom lessons on important topics like social/emotional learning, academic success/study skills, and conflict resolution, equipping your child with valuable tools for success.

2. Small-Group Counseling: I facilitate various small-group counseling sessions on topics such as self-
esteem, friendship, and resilience, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional growth among students. (focus topics to be determined)
3. Individual Counseling: I am available for one-on-one sessions with students as short-term support to
address personal and academic concerns, helping them develop essential life skills and coping
strategies. (School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools.)
4. Parent Support: I am here to provide guidance and resources to parents, offering insights into how
you can support your child's educational and emotional needs.
5. College and Career Readiness: As students progress, I help them explore their interests, strengths,
goals, and plan for their academic and career future.
My goal is to provide the best school counseling services possible for your child and our school community. As important educational partners, I would appreciate your valuable input to inform the development of our SASM School Counseling Program based upon the needs prioritized by you and our community.

Please click on the following link to complete a parent/guardian survey about our school’s counseling
program needs: https://forms.gle/cfP5LDK8iMWwVBv68
Thank you very much!

Please know that my office door is always open, and I am readily available to listen and support with a caring heart to guide your child through any challenges they may encounter.
Your child's well-being and success are at the forefront of my priorities, and I look forward to partnering with you to ensure their journey at SASM is a positive and enriching one.

I am eager to get to know your child and work together to create a nurturing and successful school
experience.
To learn more about me and my background, I invite you to please see my “Meet Mrs. Stroka” flyer.
Here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, achievement, and memorable moments for your child!
Warm regards,