Admin

Overview of the OCPS Student Services Department 

The OCPS Student Services department is comprised of four teams  (Psychological Services, Social Services, Academic Services, and Mental Health Services) that work together to promote student mental and emotional health, wellbeing, and academic success.  Each school in OCPS has a team of student service professionals from all of these areas who work collaboratively to support the needs of our students at all tiers, and to connect families with necessary resources, whether through the school or through our community. 

Each school also has a Mental Health Designee (generally the school counselor in elementary school and the SAFE Coordinator in secondary schools) who works collaboratively with the student services team and others to put resources and interventions into place that support social/emotional wellbeing and student success. 

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to reach out to your child’s school counselor (elementary) or SAFE Coordinator (secondary) for additional information about available resources or supports.   

Student Services CIrcles

Academic Services Team

Provides academic training and support to school administrators, school counselors, college and career specialists and other student services personnel. This support includes student progression, course grades and progression, promotion and graduation, as well as postsecondary endeavors.  

Mental Health Team

Provides training and support to Mental Health Designees at the schools and other student service personnel, oversees the DMHCs, and coordinates support and documentation for threat response.  This team includes professionals who oversee prevention strategies through SAFE and threat response. 

Psychological Services Team

Provides direct support to students, families, and schools related to assessment for academic and behavioral concerns, intervention planning and delivery, life skills groups, and crisis support.  This is a team of District Based School Psychologists.

Social Services Team

Serves as the link between school, home, district and community.  This is a team of District and School Based School Social Workers that provide direct services for students and families and school personnel in the areas of mental health support, attendance, special education, and community outreach.

The OCPS Mental and Emotional Health Education, Substance Use and Abuse Education and Child Trafficking Prevention Education Plan is Available

The Florida Department of Education requires that students receive instruction in Health Education every year. Rule 6A-1.094121, F.A.C., was approved by the State Board of Education on July 17, 2019 and establishes a minimum of five hours of required instruction related to mental and emotional health education for students in grades 6-12. Rule 6A-1.094122, F.A.C., was approved by the State Board of Education on August 21, 2019 and requires school districts to annually provide instruction to students in grades K-12 related to youth substance use and abuse health education. Rule 6A-1.094123, F.A.C., was approved by the State Board of Education on September 20, 2019. This rule requires school districts to annually provide instruction to students in grades K-12 related to child trafficking prevention and awareness. In compliance with State Board rules OCPS has developed an implementation plan to address these requirements. The 2021-2022 plan may be accessed by clicking the following link:

Mental and Emotional Health, Substance Use and Abuse and Child Trafficking Prevention Education Mandate

See something suspicious?
GetFortifyFL.com 

Click here to learn more about FortifyFL and download the app.

Contributions to Social Services

Social Services welcomes contributions that can be used to advance efforts that benefit OCPS students, faculty, staff, families, and the greater community.   This includes outreach activities to meet the needs of staff and families; recognition programs/activities for staff, families, and community; and special projects.  If you would like to donate please use this link to access our Foundation account.

The Foundation for OCPS - Social Services Department Fund

Student Services Assignments 2023-24

Looking for Community Based Mental Health Resources?

www.communityconnect.ocps.net


OCPS Supports

Families in need of mental health services, social services or support for homelessness can complete a request for an OCPS staff member to reach out to them and provide assistance.

Submit Request

 

Department Contacts

Mary Bridges [email protected]
Executive Director
Phone 407.317.3200 Ext. 2003439

Nelly Ugalde
[email protected] Administrative Secretary
Phone 407.317.3395

Academic Services

Sasha Russ
Director, HS

Karla Owens [email protected]
Director, K-8

Mental Health Services

Kimberly Beckler[email protected]
Director

Psychological Services

Carl Sousa [email protected]
Director

Social Services

Lisa Coffey [email protected]
Director

 

Student Services

445 W. Amelia St. Orlando, FL 32801 407.317.3394