Students at Addison, El Carmelo and Walter Hays Elementary Schools are getting help coping with such issues as parents' divorce and friendship problems, thanks to funds from Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE).

At Addison students receive services from school psychologist Rita Rodriguez and intern Martha Tercero, who has a background in art therapy as well as counseling. About 15 to 20 students visit Rodriguez and/or Tercero about twice a week. Some students work together in groups to address friendship issues, while others are seen individually. In addition, about 5 to 10 students regularly drop in to seek help during recess or after school. Both counselors also do classroom observations "to look at the dynamics and balances and see what sorts of interventions would be effective," said Addison Principal John Lents.

To read the complete story, visit PAUSD_Counseling

PiE has received a generous gift of $50,000 from an anonymous foundation. The donor will give us an additional $50,000 if our district-wide elementary participation exceeds 50 percent. We are currently at 42.7 percent, and we will meet the challenge if only 280 more families participate.

• Addison - 56.0%
• Barron Park - 28.3%
• Duveneck - 40.9%
• El Carmelo - 40.7%
• Escondido - 36.6%
• Fairmeadow - 28.9%
• Hoover - 40.3%
• Juana Briones - 46.7%
• Nixon - 43.3%
• Ohlone - 51.3%
• Palo Verde - 40.9%
• Walter Hays - 55.6% 

To make your donation online or to print a donation form, please visit PiE Donations