Guidance

Ms. Curatolo, Guidance Counselor

As a school counselor at PS280Q, I want to talk about what drives my passion for being a guidance counselor, for me it is all about making a difference, even if its small. The ability to positively impact a student’s life, whether through academic success, personal growth, or emotional support, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a guidance counselor. Being able to advocate for our students, being a voice for them and being able to support gives me a sense of purpose. Having 3 specific core values to me is what helps me be the best I can be at my job. My core values are empathy, confidentiality, and inclusivity. We must be able to demonstrate deep empathy, understanding and respect for students’ diverse backgrounds, experience and needs. This value helps counselors create a safe, supportive space for our students. Confidentiality ensures that our students feel comfortable to share their concerns, we must foster trust and respect with our students while also understanding when its necessary to break confidentiality. Inclusivity helps counselors ensure that all students regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or any other aspect of their identify feel supported and valued. We also are very big on social-emotional learning because it helps our students develop critical skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for personal well-being and building healthy relationships. By integrating SEL into our daily routines, we create a positive learning environment where students feel supported, valued, and understood. Being a guidance counselor for me is more than just a job, it’s the ability to be patient, show kindness, and have a deep commitment to helping students navigate their life in their educational years.

Mr. Fernandez, Social Worker

As a school social worker at P.S. 280, Home of the Lion Hearts, my core philosophy centers on meeting each student where they are. I recognize that every student brings with them a unique set of life experiences and challenges. Understanding this diversity is fundamental to creating an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. My approach is rooted in empathy and respect, always striving to provide the support each student needs to thrive, both academically and personally. I believe that when students feel understood, they are more likely to engage, learn, and grow both in the classroom and beyond. Central to my work is the promotion of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which I see as a crucial foundation for students' overall success. By helping students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication skills, I aim to empower them to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence. SEL is not only about academic achievement; it’s about fostering well-rounded individuals who can build healthy relationships, manage their emotions, and make thoughtful decisions. I am proud to be part of the P.S. 280 community, where we embrace the H.E.A.R.T. initiative, which emphasizes Honesty, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. These values align deeply with my own, and together we work to cultivate an environment where students not only succeed academically but also grow as compassionate, responsible individuals. Through collaboration with teachers, families, and the community, I strive to create a nurturing space that supports both emotional well-being and academic achievement. Whether helping a student navigate personal challenges, providing coping strategies, or simply offering a safe space to talk, my goal is to empower every student to reach their full potential.