August, 2019
Welcome back!
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! I am excited to start a new school year and look forward to seeing all of our students and families! This is my 15th year as the school counselor at Sacred Heart. One of the things I like best about this school is the strong community it provides and the partnership between families and our school. This partnership allows students to to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I look forward to another great year of working in partnership with our families!
About Mrs. Hrabak:
I grew up in Dubuque, Iowa in a family of 6 kids! I attended Wahlert High School and Loras College, both in Dubuque. I received my B.S. in psychology from Loras College and thanks to a wonderful advisor who helped me find my passion, I went on to the University of Northern Iowa where I received my Master's Degree in K-12 School Counseling. My husband Nick and I have four children--Jude (8), Eleanor (6), and Connor (3), and Ben (14 months). I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my kids play sports and other activities, working in the yard, and running. Running, exercise, and health have always been important to me as they help me stay balanced and are a healthy stress reliever!
The school counseling program consists of three main areas--classroom guidance, individual and small group counseling, and consulting with families, teachers, and support staff with the goal of supporting each student academcially, socially, and emotionally.
The classroom guidance lessons are developmentally appropriate and focus on topcis that are relevant and important to the age of the students. I try to make the lessons hands-on and fun and always work to make them applicable to "real-life" situations. My goal is for students to learn the lessons and be able to apply them in situations outside of the guidance class.
In addition to classroom guidance, my role is to support students by working together with students, families, teachers, and staff to help students feel successful both academically, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, I serve as a support person when students and/or families are experiencing difficult situations including bullying, cyber bullying, friendship issues, loss, etc. I work with the student, and often their family, to address these issues in a way that the student feels comfortable and supported. I also encourage students to be problem solvers as I believe that solving ones own problems, with the help and support of a trusted adult, is a life skill.
I encourage parents to contact me at any time with any concerns or questions and I will work with you to address any concern. I look foward to a great school year!