Who is Cummings' Counselor?

Hello Cumming’s families! My name is Tiffany Shaffer and I am Cummings’ full time school counselor. The 2009-2010 school year is my second year here at Cummings. I have a M.S. degree in School Counseling and am a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.  I hold a School Counselor license with the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission.  I have worked with students and families in a variety of ways including as a Families Support Advocate with the W.E.S.D. and as a Prevention Intervention Resource Specialist with Salem-Keizer School District. Prior to earning my school counseling degree I worked with adolescents and families as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

• Provides individual, short-term support
• Facilitates small educational support groups when appropriate
• Plans and teaches developmental classroom guidance lessons
• Supports the district comprehensive K-12 Literacy Model
• Conferences with parents and teachers
• Consults with teachers and other professionals
• Serves as a liaison to community resources
• Co-Coordinates the Student Services Team (SST)
• Works with school personnel, parents, and students during crises
• Works to maintain a positive, supportive school environment for everyone
• Co-Facilitates the student lead Make a Difference Team
• Case Manager for 504 Plans
• Member of the Safe & Civil Schools’ Team
• Coordinates Thanksgiving Basket Program & Giving Tree Program
• Supports student academic success via study hall
• Attends monthly Counseling Program meetings & trainings
• Member of Leadership Team
• Attends IEP meetings, as needed
• Coordinates Positive Climate Committee (assembly planning)
• Helps coordinate special events such as “Hands are not for Hurting”
• Teaches all students problem-solving ideas to help manage conflicts
• Coordinates a bully prevention program, K- 5th grade (Second Steps & Steps to Respect)
• Develop individual “success” plans to help students become emotionally and socially successful at school
• Listens, helps, encourages and cares about ALL students at Cummings

Salem-Keizer Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Framework

The Salem-Keizer School District has adopted the Oregon Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Framework created by the Oregon Department of Education, www.ode.state.or.us/go/counseling. This framework contains the following components: guidance curriculum, individual planning with students, responsive services, system support and integration, and student advocacy.  Within these components there are four student development domains academic, career, personal/social and community involvement. The framework has been developed to meet the needs of our students in a diverse world.  It is intended to foster students in becoming contributing citizens, productive workers and life-long learners. It provides a tool for system change, a way of defining guidance and counseling as a program for all students rather than a service for some. 

About the Cummings Guidance and Counseling Program

I am available to work with students in small groups and individually for short-term educational support. Small group support is offered on an as needed basis. Each small group typically meets for 30 minutes, once a week for 6-8 weeks. Groups focus on topics such as divorce, anger management, organization, friendship, social skills, self-esteem, or other topics as necessary. Student referrals for groups may be made by teachers, other staff members, parents, or a student may ask to join. Students can also request to see me individually. During the school year I spend time with all students at Cummings during classroom guidance lessons. Guidance lesson topics include the Cumming’s monthly Lifeskills of: Friendship, Respect, Self-Control, Effort, Cooperation, Honesty and Responsibility.  In addition, classroom lessons may include Hands Are Not for Hurting projects and lessons, Diversity projects and lessons and Anti-Bullying lessons, and Personal Safety lessons.

I work with both parents and teachers to assist in planning intervention and prevention strategies for students. These strategies are designed to promote personal, social, emotional and academic development of students in order for all students to become successful learners. Parents can call or email to make appointments to meet with me (shaffer_tiffany@salkeiz.k12.or.us).

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