Guidance Counselor

How do I communicate with the Counselor?

Mrs. Alyson Fisher [PDF]

Counselor Fisher's Bio

Email: afisher@steelvalleysd.org
Phone: 412-464-3600 ext. 5521

DOJO: https://www.classdojo.com/invite/?c=C9ECZ6Q


What is PBIS?

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is a framework that Barrett has been using for 13 years.  It is based on the idea that we set expectations, teach those expectations, and then reward students who are following them.  These students are considered to be in the 1st Tier.  Students who have difficulty follow those expectations are then identified and supports are available to assist them.  These students are considered to be in the 2nd Tier.  If a student requires even more support, perhaps through an outside agency or IEP, they are considered to be in the 3rd Tier.  The overall goal for a school is that 80% of the students fall in the 1stTier, 15% in the 2nd Tier, and 5% in the 3rd Tier.  Data is collected by tracking discipline referrals and teacher surveys.  Data for the 2021/2022 School year indicates that  75% of Barrett students are following school expectations at the Tier 1 level.  Tier 2 was at 15% and Tier 3 was at 10%.  Barrett has a team of staff members that plan how to teach the expectations and how to acknowledge students and staff that follow them.  One way that students are rewarded is through use of bear paws at the school store, teacher treasure boxes, and PAWS for treat during lunch time.  We have also planned special events like the No March Madness bounce house activity, food incentives for attendance, movie time, special dress down days.  There are rewards and incentives built into the school calendar each month.  

Barret Bears ALWAYS . . . Believe / Earn & Give Respect / Always be Prepared / Ready to Learn / Safe

Barrett Bears

What is SAP?

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team of Barrett Staff and a professional from Turtle Creek Valley who problem solve issues that individual students are facing in the school.  These issues can be academic, behavioral, attendance, or social/emotional in nature.  Both parents and staff can alert the team when there is a need.  The team then works with the families to breakdown the barriers that are stopping the child from being successful in school.  This process can be quick or sometimes takes a while to figure out exactly what each student needs.  The school has many services available as long as parents are on board and working with the school staff.  Many of these services require parent permission and involvement.  Services include Check in Check Out, school counseling groups with either Counselor Fisher or a trained therapist, School Based Counseling with Mon Yough, an evaluation with the School Psychologist to determine if an IEP is necessary, daily communication with the teacher, etc.  

What is the PSSA?

The Pennsylvania State Assessments are given to all 3rd and 4th grade students each Spring.