Hello!

I am so delighted to be the school counselor at Charleston Elementary School! Among all the unknowns in the coming days, I want you to know that one thing is certain: You are not alone. 

As an active member of the professional team, I provide regular social and emotional learning (SEL) lessons for preschool through 8th grade, one on one meetings, small group counseling, 504 coordination, and school-wide support.

I teach about the Zones of Regulation which is a scientifically based social and emotional curriculum. Students will learn how to notice their body’s signals, detect triggers, read social context, consider how their behaviors impact those around them, improve emotional control, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills. Please refer to the Zones of Regulation chart below.

Here are some reasons you might want to reach out to your school counselor:

• Your child is feeling anxious, lonely, sad, angry, confused or any other emotion that causes them distress

• You would like suggestions for positive, healthy activities during the time your student is not in school

• Your student needs support with strategies for organization and time management 

• Your student has a connection with their school counselor and/or just wants to check-in about what is going on in their life

As a school counselor, I will not assume what is best for students, but I will give them room to access their own wisdom and honor that they are the experts on their own life. If your family is experiencing difficulties at home, I would like to provide additional support at school. I understand that you are not always able to share details and that's okay. If your child is coming to school after a difficult night, morning, or weekend, please email me 'Handle with Care.' Nothing else will be said or asked. This will let me know that your child may need extra time, patience, or help during the day.

Please feel free to reach out to me and I will get back to you as soon as possible! 

Warmly,
Jessie Donnelly

Jessie Donnelly, MS (she, her, hers - click to learn more about pronouns and why they matter) 
School Counselor
Phone: (802) 895-2915 ext. 1302
Email: Jessica.donnelly@ncsuvt.org

Local Resources

Please refer to the following resources to assist you and your family. If you or a loved one is immediate danger, calling 911 and talking with police may be necessary. Please notify the operator that this is a mental health emergency and ask for officers trained in crisis intervention.

Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS)

NKHS provides emergency mental health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The UCS clinician on call responds to all requests. NKHS emergency services also helps arrange more intense levels of care as needed, such as a hospital or short-term crisis bed. NKHS provides support services to individuals during the difficult time period after an emergency has occurred.

Main Phone: (802) 334-6744

Main Website: https://nkhs.org/

NKHS Emergency and Enhanced Services Website: https://nkhs.org/service/emergency-and-enhanced-emergency-services/

If you or someone you know needs help immediately, Call 911

For immediate assistance in a mental health crisis call:

         Phone: (802) 334-6744 in Derby, Vermont

         Phone: (802) 748-3181 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont

Vermont Agency of Human Services: Department of Mental Health

Main Website: https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/

Main Phone: (802) 241-0090

Suicide Prevention: https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/suicide-prevention

Text ‘VT’ to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255

Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Families and Individuals: https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-information-specific-groups/families-individuals

Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA)

Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) is an anti-poverty agency. Believing in everyone’s potential for growth and change, NEKCA is committed to empowering those who seek assistance to improve the quality of their lives. We provide direct program activities, referrals, advocacy, and education in a non-judgmental manner to the people of the communities in the Northeast Kingdom.

Main Phone: (802) 334-7316

Main Website: http://nekcavt.org/

Crisis Youth Services: (802) 334-8224 (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

After Hours Emergencies Responses: Call 911 for an emergency or (802) 334-8881 for Derby State Police or (802) 334-6733 Newport Police. Ask to speak with someone from Northeast Kingdom Youth Services

Rural Community Transportation (RCT)

RCT is a non-profit transportation provider that uses all modes of transportation including buses, wheelchair accessible vans, taxis, and volunteer drivers.

Main Phone: (802) 748-8170

Main Website: http://www.riderct.org/

Northeastern Family Institute, VT (NFIVT)

NFIVT is a private, nonprofit agency that serves Vermont families whose children struggle with severe emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges.

Main Website: https://www.nfivermont.org/

Main Phone: (802) 658-0040

Turning Points School: Turning Points is a trauma-informed, day treatment school whose therapeutic model is developed from components of multiple, evidence-based frameworks.

         Phone: (802) 895-2541

    Website: https://www.nfivermont.org/services/educational-services/turning-points-school/