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In the last year, UE Constellation – which serves partners San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, and Fremont – doubled in size. More cases? More staff? More problems? Perhaps. More grit? More resilience? More celebrations? Definitely.
Washington Manor Middle School, tucked away in the city of San Leandro, began with a rather lackluster start. In the fall of 2024, the counseling enriched classroom (CEC) welcomed exactly one student through its doors. Despite the low enrollment – and the notable absence of permanent teacher – our Seneca staff were determined to build a program that would meet it’s young scholars where they are in order to help guide them to where they want to be.
The Washington Manor team is made up of our clinician, Sierra K., and two new mental health counselors, Judith H., and Whisper T. Our clinician has seen the silver lining of a small caseload and worked to create a therapeutic space that reflects the needs of the students, while simultaneously inspiring them to begin exploring the endless possibilities that lie ahead of them.
This team focused on providing continual counseling support, creating and maintaining a safe space for students to practice self-regulation and autonomy, as well as supporting a small rotation of guest teachers to implement consistent curriculum. During those first few months, we were extremely grateful to the Washington Manor administrators, Nicole Sandoval, school principal, and Andy Waranoff, assistant principal. Mrs. Sandoval and Mr. Waranoff not only expressed their interest in getting to know our growing group of students but also made intentional efforts to welcome UE Constellation into the ‘Wolf Pack.'
In December of 2024, the Washington Manor CEC was beyond elated to welcome an incredible long term guest teacher, Erik Guiterrez. His addition to the classroom helped to round out our incredible team, improving student participation and even managing to increase student time in the general education setting. These changes allowed the mental health counselors to bring the amazing work they do into more mainstream classes, which in turn, has served to create stronger relationships within the Washington Manor community.
As the CEC continues to grow, this collaboration stands as an inspiring example of how strong partnerships can create meaningful change for students and foster a sense of community and support for everyone involved. With hard work and dedication, this team is setting the foundation for brighter futures, one student at a time.
Washington Manor Middle School, tucked away in the city of San Leandro, began with a rather lackluster start. In the fall of 2024, the counseling enriched classroom (CEC) welcomed exactly one student through its doors. Despite the low enrollment – and the notable absence of permanent teacher – our Seneca staff were determined to build a program that would meet it’s young scholars where they are in order to help guide them to where they want to be.
The Washington Manor team is made up of our clinician, Sierra K., and two new mental health counselors, Judith H., and Whisper T. Our clinician has seen the silver lining of a small caseload and worked to create a therapeutic space that reflects the needs of the students, while simultaneously inspiring them to begin exploring the endless possibilities that lie ahead of them.
This team focused on providing continual counseling support, creating and maintaining a safe space for students to practice self-regulation and autonomy, as well as supporting a small rotation of guest teachers to implement consistent curriculum. During those first few months, we were extremely grateful to the Washington Manor administrators, Nicole Sandoval, school principal, and Andy Waranoff, assistant principal. Mrs. Sandoval and Mr. Waranoff not only expressed their interest in getting to know our growing group of students but also made intentional efforts to welcome UE Constellation into the ‘Wolf Pack.'
In December of 2024, the Washington Manor CEC was beyond elated to welcome an incredible long term guest teacher, Erik Guiterrez. His addition to the classroom helped to round out our incredible team, improving student participation and even managing to increase student time in the general education setting. These changes allowed the mental health counselors to bring the amazing work they do into more mainstream classes, which in turn, has served to create stronger relationships within the Washington Manor community.
As the CEC continues to grow, this collaboration stands as an inspiring example of how strong partnerships can create meaningful change for students and foster a sense of community and support for everyone involved. With hard work and dedication, this team is setting the foundation for brighter futures, one student at a time.
Blog By: Tatiana Toscano, Assistant Director of School Partnerships
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