Bear Branch Elementary

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1st Quarter 2025-2026

School Counseling Services

Counselors are essential educators and mental health professionals in the school system and play a key role in helping students grow into confident, capable graduates. We are growing graduates by teaching educational, career, personal, and social development at all ages!

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BBE Counselor Corner

Hello BBE Bears!

My name is Francesca Newman, and I am absolutely delighted to introduce myself as your new school counselor. Returning to BBE truly feels like coming home. My own boys went through BBE and are now in college and at KPark. After spending time working with students and campuses across our district, I am thrilled to be back in the place that holds my heart and I am honored to support our amazing students and families once again.

As the counselor for all students in PK through 5th grade, my mission is to nurture every child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. I provide classroom guidance lessons, lead small groups, and offer short-term individual counseling—all designed to support the whole child. I believe that strong partnerships with families, teachers, and our dedicated staff are the foundation for student success, and I look forward to working closely with each of you.

This year, I am excited to share that I will be joined by two very special helpers, thanks to the Humble ISD Education Foundation —our beloved comfort dogs, Jolene and Reggie! Jolene is a gentle 4-year-old Golden Doodle, and Reggie is a sweet 3-year-old Merle Doodle. Both have been specially trained to work with students in counseling sessions and will occasionally visit classrooms. There are no set days that Jolene and/or Reggie will be on campus, this will be an "in training" year as they learn the campus. Their calming presence brings joy, comfort, and emotional support to our students and staff. Whether it’s a tough day or just a moment in need of a wagging tail, Jolene and Reggie are here to help make BBE a safe and welcoming place for all.

We all experience stressful days and challenging moments, and it’s important for students to know they have a calm, caring space to regroup and refocus. Through the BBE Counseling Program, our goal is for every student to return to the classroom ready to learn and feel successful.

At BBE, we believe every student has the heart of a champion, strength of a bear. It is my greatest joy and privilege to help our Bears discover just how strong, resilient, and courageous they truly are.

Here’s to a year filled with connection, growth, and Bear strength! Please know that my door is always open to you and your child. If you have any questions, or if you prefer your child not participate in comfort dog activities, please reach out to me at 281-641-1607 or fnewman@humbleisd.net.

With Bear pride and gratitude,
Francesca Newman
BBE School Counselor

Need Support? I'm Here to Help!

If you have concerns about your child’s social or emotional well-being, or if you believe they would benefit from talking with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can use the form below to refer your student to the counseling program—I’ll take it from there with care and confidentiality.

BBE Student Referral Form

In addition to emotional support, I can also help connect families with community resources, including assistance, mental health services, and more. If your family is facing a challenge, big or small, please know you’re not alone—our BBE community is here for you.

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reggie

Personalized Counseling

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In Humble ISD, we believe in a personalized approach to counseling. Each elementary student will receive one individual meeting each year with their counselor. In these meetings, students will explore their goals and aspirations, and discuss the options for their personal path in Humble ISD. Additionally, counselors will be working with students and teachers in the classroom to provide additional avenues for student success. This partnership gives Humble ISD students a unique approach to meeting their personal goals, career pathways, and setting them up for success.

Personalized Counseling
Inspiring Moments Video - Personalized Counseling

Classroom Guidance

Optimistic Thinking

A child's attitude of confidence, hopefulness, and positive thinking regarding herself/himself and her/his life situations in the past, present, and future.

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Optimistic Thinking Classroom Guidance

Student "I can" Statements:

  • Carry myself with confidence.

  • Say good things about myself.

  • Speak about positive things.

  • Look forward to classes or activities at school.

  • Say good things about my classmates.

  • Say good things about the future.

  • Express high expectations for myself.

Personalized 1:1 Meetings

1:1

The purpose of 1:1 individual meetings is to provide a more personalized counseling experience to students across the campus. These meetings provide a whole child approach to ensuring that students are identifying their own strengths, goals, and challenges, while also building connections at school, home, and within the community. The individual meeting allows counselors to personalize continued support as needed throughout the school year. 

This quarter your school counselor will be meeting with 3rd and 4th grade students.

Great 8 Skills at Home

For more information on affective education and the Great 8 Skills for Life at Home,visit Aperture Education's Parent Portal.

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No Place for Hate

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This quarter we're inviting students and families to sign our Resolution of Respect! By signing our resolution, you are promising to be a part of our community of kindness.

Pledge
No Place for Hate
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Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk 
Humble ISD Counseling & Behavioral Services is hosting a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk

Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00–8:00 PM
Turner Stadium

Join us for an evening of hope, healing, and support as we walk together to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health.

This free community event brings families, students, and staff together to reduce stigma, share resources, and remind one another—we are not alone.

There will be a guest speaker, community resources, and food available for purchase.

No cost to attend.

Suicide Walk
Suicide Walk Spanish

Mindful Minute

Take Time for a Mindful Minute

Bubble Bounce Video
Bubble Bounce! Mindfulness for Children Video
A Mindful Moment Video
30 Second Breathing Exercise Video

College, Career & Military Readiness

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CTE

College and Technical School Spotlight

Weber

Weber University
Virtual Campus Tour

Harvard

Harvard University
Virtual Campus Tour

STC

South Texas College
Information on available Majors and Programs of Study

U.S. Armed Forces Spotlight

US Space Force
U.S. Space Force
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Army
U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy
U.S. Marines
U.S. Marines

Credit by Examination (CBE)

What is Credit By Examination or CBE? Texas allows students to test, in order to receive credit for a class, or to skip a grade level. These tests are provided by Texas Tech University, and are called Credit By Examination, or CBEs.

Credit by Exam Information Sheet

25-26 Testing Dates:

Fall Testing

September 22-26, 2025

October 27-30, 2025

Registration Deadline August 29, 2025

Spring Testing

March 9 - 13, 2026

Registration Deadline January 30, 2026

Summer Testing

June 15 - June 18, 2026

June 22 - June 25, 2026

Registration Deadline April 30, 2026

Thank you, Counseling and Behavioral Services

See Something, Say Something

ihelp

iHELP

Humble ISD’s iHelp app is a comprehensive reporting solution designed for the needs, behaviors, and attitudes of students; it is easy to use and allows students to remain anonymous. This technology fosters a relationship between schools, law enforcement, counselors, parents, and students. It is also available, free of charge, to all parents and guardians through Apple or Google Play.

More information on HumbleISD's iHelp

Humble ISD TIPS

Crime and safety tips can be reported to Humble ISD's TIPS line 24 hours a day. 281-641-8477

TIPS

Community Resources

Counseling & Behavioral Services

Humble ISD Counseling & Behavioral Services Website with information about our counseling program, the district's Wellness Counselors, and Community Resources.

InsureKidsNow.gov
InsureKidsNow.gov

Information on free to low cost medical and dental insurance for children through Medicaid and CHIPs.

Mental Health America
Mental Health America of Greater Houston

Resource Guide for Children, Adolescent, and Teen Behavioral Health Services

Free & Reduced Lunch
Free & Reduced Lunch Information
mental health providers
Texas Benefits
Information and how to apply for state benefits, such as SNAP, TANF, CHIP, WIC, and other support services.

Counselor Contact

CONTACT
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Need Support? I'm Here to Help!

If you have concerns about your child’s social or emotional well-being, or if you believe they would benefit from talking with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can use the form below to refer your student to the counseling program—I’ll take it from there with care and confidentiality.

BBE Student Referral Form

In addition to emotional support, I can also help connect families with community resources, including assistance, mental health services, and more. If your family is facing a challenge, big or small, please know you’re not alone—our BBE community is here for you.