Counseling & PSAP Programs
Counseling Program Vision
We strive for our students to be life-long learners who are hopeful and who express gratitude for the positive aspects of their lives. We want our students to be resilient and have the problem-solving skills to meet the ever-changing demands of the 21st century. As community contributors, we are helping to develop students who are empowered to use their unique talents and abilities as gifts to contribute in positive ways to their communities.
Counseling Program Mission
Our school counseling program cultivates a community of innovators through a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that promotes academic, career, and social-emotional development. Our school counseling program provides equitable access for every student regardless of socio-economic status, race, etc. Through an MTSS approach, students will receive interventions and activities to help reduce or eliminate learning barriers. Through a comprehensive school counseling program, we will teach students the attitudes, knowledge and skills based on the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors to be successful throughout their education and post-secondary opportunities.
What does a school counselor do?
- Teaches classroom lessons: They help students learn skills like staying motivated, managing their feelings, and making smart choices.
- Small group work: They work with small groups of students to help them with emotions, behavior, and doing well in class.
- One-on-one help: They meet with students individually to talk about things like school attendance, changes at home, or dealing with peer pressure.
- Partners with teachers: They work with teachers to make sure students feel safe and happy at school.
- Supports families: They work with parents and guardians to help students grow their social and emotional skills.
- Connects families to help: They provide families with useful resources at home or in the community.
Primary School Adjustment Program (PSAP)
PSAP is a program to help selected students create positive relationships with adults and classmates on campus. The program also helps students feel comfortable coming to school every day.
Who: Kindergarten through 3rd grade students
Support students in:
- Adjusting to school and the classroom environment
- Feeling confident and comfortable
- Behavioral, social and emotional skills
Where: In the classroom or at lunch
Selection: At the beginning of each school year, teachers can make recommendations or parents can share adjustment concerns with a teacher, counselor, or administrator.
If you would like more information about this program or your child demonstrates difficulty in one of the areas listed above, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Precious Chang at (808) 307-9300.
Get to Know Our Counseling Team
Kayla Chung (Ms. Chung), Counselor
Grade Levels: Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, and 6th
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Core memories when I was in elementary school:
- Two classrooms created spaces that looked like we were visiting London and that we were in Narnia from the book series "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe".
- In 2nd grade, we had a multiplication challenge where we would move up levels after mastering all of our multiplication facts from 0-12.
- For a Science Fair, I did a presentation on Orca Whales because I liked the movie Free Willy and won 3rd place.
Kawena Martinez (Kumu Kawena), Counselor
Grade Levels: PreK, 1st, 3rd, and 5thEmail: [email protected]
My elementary school memories were shaped by events and people in my life that made a huge impact on who I am personally and professionally.
A Caring School Community
Tucked in this memory of feeling loved and cared for are the staff members that made me feel like I belonged at the school.
Tucked in this memory of feeling loved and cared for are the staff members that made me feel like I belonged at the school.
- To Mrs. Smith, my classroom teacher, who supported me through my learning journey and showed me that being a kind and helpful human being is needed around the world.
- To Ms. Francesca, my lunch lady, always served a side of sunshine and love with a warm lunch each and every day.
- To Mrs. Brown, my school librarian, who indulged my love of reading and would often let me check out an extra book when I volunteered my free time to help clean and put back books on the shelf.
Parent Participation
My mom showing up at school (expected or unexpected) was my favorite. Oftentimes, she would buy a small bag of apples, oranges, celery or carrots, and cut them into slices, handing them out to my class at the end of the day. She also tried her best to attend school activities and events as much as possible, but when she couldn't, putting a note in my lunch bag or preparing a special lunch made my heart full! Aloha pumehana, physically or not, your love was always with me. I can't wait to help find, inspire, encourage your core memories this school year! If you have any you would like to share, let me know!
My mom showing up at school (expected or unexpected) was my favorite. Oftentimes, she would buy a small bag of apples, oranges, celery or carrots, and cut them into slices, handing them out to my class at the end of the day. She also tried her best to attend school activities and events as much as possible, but when she couldn't, putting a note in my lunch bag or preparing a special lunch made my heart full! Aloha pumehana, physically or not, your love was always with me. I can't wait to help find, inspire, encourage your core memories this school year! If you have any you would like to share, let me know!
Precious Chang (Mrs. Chang), Counseling Department Educational Assistant (EA)
Responsible for Junior Police Officers (JPO), Primary School Adjustment Program (PSAP) and Morning Play* There are two Mrs. Chang's on campus, so make sure to say Mrs. Chang from JPO, PSAP or Morning Play to reach the correct one! *
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Some of my most cherished memories from elementary school come from the opportunities I had to grow as a leader:
- Serving as a Junior Police Officer (JPO): Each year, we looked forward to the JPO Field Day Competition, where we performed our drills in front of members of the U.S. Military, the Honolulu Police Department, and our families. It was an exciting day filled with community pride and teamwork. We also explored interactive booths featuring the K9 unit, HPD's specialized vehicles, solo bike detail, and much more. Today, I've come full circle - I now serve as the JPO advisor here at my former elementary school, and it brings me great joy to help our current JPOs create lasting memories of their own.
- Being elected Student Council President: I vividly remember staying up late to design campaign posters, putting them up around campus, and carefully preparing my speech. It was my first experience with public speaking and leadership, and it taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and connecting with others.
- Attending Leadership Camp at Camp Erdman: We connected with other student council officers, enjoyed bonfires and scavenger hunts, and gained valuable leadership skills to bring back to our schools. It was not only fun, but also a turning point in developing the confidence and abilities I use to this day.
Kaimiloa Elementary's Counseling Programs Awards & Recognitions
- Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program (RAMP)
- Shely Chang, 2024 Hawaii School Counselor of the Year
- Kayla Chung & Shely Chang - ASCA Certified School Counselor (ACSC)
- ASCA National Conference Presentation in Kansas City, Missouri; "Tier 3 Approach to Attendance: School Attendance Review Team (SART)"