Dear Families, 

My name is Jacqueline Cantu and I am the School Counselor here at Sam Houston Elementary School. I am so excited to be a part of the Sam Houston Elementary School family! I graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with my Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Education in early childhood and with my Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling as a certified school counselor. I have been a teacher for 7 years and I am very excited to start my first year as a School Counselor at the most amazing school in the entire school district.  

What I love most about the elementary level is the genuine curiosity students have in their learning and the world around them, as well as the opportunity for early intervention support that can have a lifetime positive impact on a child. 

As a School Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students.  I have a strong belief that students should gain exposure to careers and opportunities their future will hold through an extensive and ongoing career development in elementary in order discover ways to become the best versions of themselves. I have a strong belief that if we find ways to truly understand students and uncover ways to meet their needs, they can reach their full potential. I am committed to inspiring students, helping them use positive social skills, and teaching them about post-secondary education.  

I look forward to offering support to Sam Houston Elementary students, staff, families, and community.  I will be meeting with students (prekindergarten to fifth) individually, small groups, conducting classroom guidance lessons, meeting with families, collaborating with teachers and staff, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all of the students at Sam Houston Elementary. The guidance lessons will cover many topics including communication, responsibility, respect, problem solving, goal setting, building self-confidence, personal safety, etc. Other topics or skills such as: anger management, dealing with transitions/loss, building friendships, may be taught in a small group support setting. Referrals for counselor small groups may come from the student (self-referral), parent, classroom teacher, the school nurse or an administrator. For students to participate in a small group, parent permission will be required and groups will meet for 30 minutes a week for 6 to 8 weeks. 

All conversations that are shared by the student(s) with the counselor are confidential unless a student shares information about: wanting to hurt him/herself, wanting to hurt another person or property or if someone else is hurting them. The information that has been shared, may then need to be shared with an outside source for additional help/support. 

School Counseling programs reach and meet the needs of all students in a school through many various ways, including those listed above. I am here to advocate for all students. Meetings with parents are always welcomed. It is important that we work together to help your child succeed socially as well as academically in school.  

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call (956) 971-1167 or email me jacqueline.cantu2@mcallenisd.net at any time.   

I am so excited to work with your children and get to know you throughout the school year!   

With a kind heart, 

Jacqueline Cantu 

Sam Houston Elementary School 

School Counselor