Skip to main content

Welcome to the new GC website!

The new district and school websites, powered by ParentSquare’s Smart Sites, feature improved navigation, a streamlined layout consistent across all sites, and a user-friendly design to better serve our entire community. They also seamlessly integrate with ParentSquare, the district’s communication platform.

Although the new website has a redesigned look, most of the website components and menus are the same!

3 days ago

Walt Disney Elementary School

Home of the Dragons

Schools

Popular Links

  1. Departments
  2. Counseling and Student Support Services
  3. Counseling and Student Support Services Home

Counseling and Student Support Services Home

Counseling and Student Support Services

At the elementary level, our Counseling and Student Support Services team is here to nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally and academically. Our counselors, social workers, psychologists and support staff work together to build strong relationships, foster a sense of belonging and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. Whether through classroom lessons, small group support or one-on-one check-ins, we are proud to partner with families and staff to help every student grow with confidence.

  • Katie Picha
    School Counselor
  • Michele Salphine
    School Psychologist
  • Nancy DiPonzio
    School Social Worker
  • Lorena Cypressi
    Caseworker

Social-emotional learning at Gates Chili

At Gates Chili, we are committed to supporting the whole child by fostering personal, social and academic growth in every learner. Our elementary school counseling program plays a key role in that commitment, providing students with the tools and mindsets they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Rooted in the district’s mission—Together we teach and inspire excellence for all learners—our counseling curriculum reflects both the New York State Social Emotional Learning Benchmarks and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Standards. It is designed to nurture each student’s development while celebrating individual uniqueness and diversity.

Through engaging classroom lessons at every grade level, students build essential social-emotional skills in areas such as:

  • Empathy and understanding others
  • Emotion management and healthy coping skills
  • Being an upstander and promoting kindness
  • Problem solving and executive functioning
  • Mindfulness and growth mindset
  • Personal safety (including Erin’s Law)
  • Career exploration and goal setting

These lessons empower students to develop strong relationships, make thoughtful decisions and lay the foundation for lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and career readiness.

Mental health resources

At Gates Chili, we care deeply about the well-being of our students and families. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should feel like they have to face challenges alone. Whether you're looking for in-school support or outside resources, this page is here to help connect you with the support you need.

🚨 Need Help Now? ðŸš¨
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out immediately:

  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
  • Monroe County Crisis Line
    Call (585) 275-5151
  • Mobile Crisis Team (Monroe County)
    Call (585) 529-3721
  • Crisis Text Line
    Text HELLO to 741741
  • 911 Emergency
    Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to yourself or others