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Counseling

Our school counselor is here to support students with academic success, social-emotional learning, and college and career planning.

About Your School Counselor

I’m so excited to be in the Bantam community and help students learn, grow, and enjoy school. 
I studied Psychology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and then earned my master’s degree in Counseling at Sonoma State University where I also received my credential for school counseling. When I’m not at work I enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, and riding my bike around town. 

Ms. Brown 
sbrown@petk12.org

Academic Help

Tips for Academic Success at Petaluma Junior High School

  • Build a consistent after-school routine with time built in to eat a snack, get homework done, organize school supplies, and get plenty of rest.
  • Students and parents should sit down together regularly to check Google Classroom and their binder for upcoming assignments.
  • Check Aeries for missing assignments.
  • Reach out to the teacher when there are questions or concerns in a class. Sending a message through ParentSquare is a great way to start.
  • Make sure the backpack and binder are organized. It helps to have a designated folder to keep completed homework that needs to be turned in.
  • If you need help, reach out to Ms. Brown. 

Social-Emotional Challenges

Junior High is full of changes and stressors. It is important that every student takes care of their mental health.  Here are some resources to help:

Coping Skills

We all have good days and bad days. Students can learn to use coping skills when they are struggling emotionally. Here are some healthy coping skills that students can try:

  • Spend time outside
  • Take deep breaths
  • Journal about what is going on
  • Listen to music
  • Watch a funny show or movie
  • Play with a pet
  • Spend time with friends
  • Exercise
  • Draw, color, or paint
  • Talk to a trusted adult

School-Based Therapy

If your student is in need of therapy you can refer them to our school-based mental health therapy here. Wait times to see a therapist vary, but we do our best to see students as soon as possible. 

Community Resources

You can also get mental health support by reaching out to your pediatrician, or exploring the services offered through Petaluma People Services. 

Wellness & Crisis Lines

  • Petaluma SAFE Team: (707) 781-1234
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
  • North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline:  Call (707) 587-6373
  • Verity Sexual Assault Hotline:  Call (707) 545-7232
  • YWCA Domestic Violence Services: Call (707) 546-1234
  • Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
  • The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
  • For medical or mental health emergencies, please call 911