Welcome to Jeannette McKee Elementary School Counseling!

As school counselors, our roles are to meet the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of all McKee Elementary students. We do this through the use of individual counseling, group counseling, classroom lessons, and other miscellaneous interventions/programs. We collaborate closely with staff and families to ensure our students are getting the support they need.

We are always available for any questions or help you may need regarding your child. Please feel free to contact us via phone, email, or Remind, and we will get back to you ASAP!

Sammi Ponzetti, K-2 School Counselor

[email protected]

724-523-6522 ext. 3007

Tricia Potter, 3-6 School Counselor

[email protected]

724-523-6522 ext. 3111

For records requests, please contact our front office staff at (724) 523-6522 x3001 or x3002.

For attendance questions/concerns please contact our Student & Family Liaison, Kiaira Jackson, at [email protected] or (724) 523-6522 x3333.

So... What Exactly Do the McKee Elementary School Counselor's Do?

Student Assistance Program

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

SAP is a school-based program made up of school and community agency staff that work together to help families access school and community services for their student. The purpose of this program is to identify any barriers to a student's learning and implement interventions so the student can achieve success.

A student may be referred by themselves, a parent/guardian, a teacher, or another staff member. Referrals are made after recognizing a change in student performance, behaviors, appearances, attendance, relationships, etc. At the time of a referral parents and teachers should both be aware of the barriers to student learning and a plan should have already been attempted to address the situation. If the behaviors do not improve after the plan, then the team will proceed with a SAP referral. From there, the SAP team will work together to discuss interventions in and out of the school with the help of our SAP Liaison from Westmoreland Case Management. SAP is based on parent/guardian participation, and it is important for the parent/guardian to follow through with the process to see success with the student.

For more information on SAP, please see the following video to watch a Mock SAP Team Meeting.

Mental Health Resources

For your reference, here is the contact information for national and local mental health resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline

provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources; can be called or texted

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

text with a trained Crisis Counselor until you’re in a safe place; available in English and Spanish

Westmoreland Crisis Hotline & Mobile Crisis Unit: 1-800-836-6010

provides assistance for individuals in crisis and provides face-to-face intervention during crisis situations

Independence Health Crisis Response Center: 724-832-4465

crisis walk-in services are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the corner of Depot and West Pittsburgh Street on the Westmoreland Hospital Campus

Westmoreland Case Management & Supports Inc: 724-837-1808

for referral and intake services

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders

Weekend Food Bag Program

At McKee Elementary, we have a Weekend Food Bag Program! Local community programs prepare food bags for students who may be in need of extra food on the weekends. Food bags are distributed to participating students' lockers every Friday morning. If you are interested in having your child participate in the Jeannette Weekend Food Bag Program please contact Miss Potter at [email protected].

Counselor's Corner (School Counseling Newsletter)

Top 15 Free Mental Health Apps