Dear Mendenhall Parents/ Guardians, Staff, and Students,
My name is Allison Decker and I am the new full time Counselor at Mendenhall Middle School. I wanted to introduce myself and provide you with some information on the services I will be providing students, parents, and staff this year. I have been a School Counselor for five years now and have worked in San Ramon and Pleasanton as an Elementary School Counselor and a Middle School At-Risk Counselor. I am a credentialed School Counselor as well as a registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern.

My position is funded by new state legislation (CA Assembly Bill 1802) which focuses on academic counseling services for middle and high school students. I will be identifying students that are at-risk based on academic performance and/ or standardized test scores.  I will meet with the students and their parents to discuss the students’ current academic progress, standardized test scores, high school preparation, and the educational options available, such as college and vocational training.

In addition to the duties mandated by the state, I will be working with students on social, emotional, and behavioral issues. This may take the form of periodical check-ins with the student, regular individual counseling, or group counseling. I am also present as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents with questions and concerns. Throughout the year, I will be developing a counseling library with resources, books, and videos that can be loaned out to parents, staff, and students.

My main goal and objective here at Mendenhall is to create a supportive, nurturing, and understanding place for students, parents, and staff alike. This involves designing a comprehensive school counseling program for grades 6-8 that includes academic counseling, social-emotional counseling, career education, and the development of our school climate.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to arrange a time to speak with me, please contact me via email (adecker@livermore.k12.ca.us) or by phone at (925) 606-4731.
I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Allison Decker, MA PPS