Counseling Services at Riverside Leadership Academy

At Riverside Leadership Academy, our School Counseling Program supports the academic, social, emotional, and personal growth of all scholars in Kindergarten through 8th grade. We are here to partner with students and families, whether you are brand new to RLA or have been part of our community for years.

Mrs. Giselle Rykhus is RLA’s school counselor, serving all students in grades K–8.

Mrs. Rhykus provides support in areas such as:

Social-emotional learning
Academic guidance
Peer relationships
Emotional regulation and coping skills
Family communication and support
Crisis response and referrals

We encourage families to engage in positive, intentional conversations at home about school, focusing on making friends, learning new things, and building confidence, as this helps children develop positive feelings about school.

Why “School Counselor” Instead of “Guidance Counselor”?

The role of the school counselor has evolved significantly. Today’s school counselors:

Are highly trained professionals who support the whole child
Focus on more than college planning
Address emotional well-being, social development, academic growth, and career awareness
Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and families
Play a key role in student advocacy and intervention.

School counselors are an essential part of a comprehensive educational team focused on student success.

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children learn to:

Understand and manage emotions
Set and achieve positive goals
Show empathy for others
Build and maintain healthy relationships
Make responsible decisions

SEL is embedded into the school day and supported through counseling lessons, classroom activities, and individual or small-group support as needed.

Section 504 Services

Section 504 ensures that students with qualifying physical or mental disabilities have equal access to their educational environment.

A 504 Plan may provide accommodations related to:

Classroom instruction
Testing
School routines or materials

A 504 Plan does not guarantee improved grades. Instead, it provides a level playing field so students have an equal opportunity to succeed.

McKinney-Vento Act (Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness)

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Eligible students have the right to:

Immediate enrollment
School stability
Transportation when required
Access to services and support

RLA is committed to removing barriers to enrollment and ensuring stability for students and families experiencing housing insecurity. Families are encouraged to contact the school for confidential support and assistance.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal funding.

Riverside Leadership Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs, activities, or employment practices.

All Title IX concerns or reports should be directed to the school’s Title IX Coordinator:

Mrs. Siobhan Brewer, Executive Director, sbrewer@riversideleadershipacademy.org

Crisis Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress, including:

Thoughts of suicide
Mental health or substance use crises
Any overwhelming emotional situation

Students, families, or caregivers can:

Call or text 988
Chat via 988lifeline.org

This service connects individuals anywhere in the U.S. with trained crisis counselors who can help in the moment.