New behavioral health program now available to WPS students
Family Services licensed counselor provided via NE Crime Commission grant money
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThis year, all schools located in Saunders County have utilized grant money awarded by the Nebraska Crime Commission to bring free therapeutic and other behavioral health services to its students. Joy Wallar, a licensed counselor employed by Family Services, will provide counseling services to the Wahoo Public Schools two days each week. Joy’s office will be located in the WHS office area.
These student services are intended to assist our students and their families who may be dealing with life stressors that impact their behaviors and relationships at school or home. The program provides a communicative outlet for students dealing with anything ranging from crisis or therapy, to anxiety or simply needing someone confidential to talk to.
Joy Wallar will work with the teachers and administrators in the school to find a time in the student’s class schedule that works best to meet for one session each week. Because the service is provided in the school, there is no need to worry about transportation or the student missing an extended period of the school day.
Staff members can refer a student for these services by visiting with the student’s counselor or principal. Once a student has been identified and the child’s parent has agreed to allow Family Services to begin meeting with the child, the counselor or principal may ask the referring staff member to complete a brief informational form. The data on this form will allow Ms. Wallar to have a bit more insight into the student and the facts that led to the initial referral.
Wahoo Public Schools will continue to maintain its existing relationship with Blue Valley Behavioral Health. This new relationship with Family Services will add another level of counseling support and service that it can offer to its students and families.
If you have questions about this new school-based behavioral health program, please see your building principal or counselor.
Wahoo Elementary Principal: Jane Wiebold (jwiebold@esu2.org, 402-443-4250 ext. 1002)
Wahoo Middle School Principal: Marc Kaminski (kaminski@esu2.org, 402-443-3101 ext. 2002)
Wahoo High School Principal: Jarred Royal (jroyal@esu2.org, 402-443-4332 ext. 3002)
Grades K-6 Guidance Counselor: Cindy Klepper (cklepper@esu2.org, 402-443-4250 ext. 1022)
Grades 7-12 Guidance Counselor: John Harris (joharris@esu2.org, 402-443-4332 ext. 3229)