Boulder Ridge Elementary School (BRES) has earned the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This national recognition highlights the school’s commitment to providing a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program that supports student success. It reflects the dedication of the school’s counseling team, administration, and community in fostering an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Collaborative Effort for Student Success

BRES Principal, Mary Godoy, and School Counselor, Daniela Muñoz, emphasize that earning the RAMP designation is a testament to the strong collaboration among staff, students, families, and community stakeholders. “This recognition highlights the collaboration and support we have for one another,” said Muñoz. “It’s one of the highest achievements a school can accomplish, and it showcases a team that is dedicated to all aspects of student growth.”

The school’s counseling program is student-driven, yet deeply rooted in the needs of the community. The counseling team worked closely with Action Team Partners and advisory councils to identify trends from data sources such as the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), academic performance, and behavioral metrics. This collaborative approach ensured that the counseling program addressed key areas such as college and career readiness, social-emotional learning, attendance initiatives, and bullying prevention.

One of the school’s most impactful initiatives has been its targeted attendance interventions. By engaging the community and reinforcing positive attendance habits, BRES successfully reduced chronic absenteeism by over 10% in recent years. “We wanted to ensure that students not only came to school but felt a strong connection to their learning environment,” said Godoy. “Our students need to know they have a caring adult at school who is rooting for their success.”

BRES is the second Romoland School District school to earn RAMP recognition, following Harvest Valley Elementary, which received the designation in 2021.

The Journey to RAMP Recognition

Achieving RAMP recognition required a year-long process of setting measurable goals, collecting and analyzing data, and refining strategies to enhance student outcomes. The team engaged in extensive professional development, collaborating with the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and participating in ASCA’s RAMP series workshops. 

Making a Lasting Impact

The success of the BRES counseling program is evident in tangible student outcomes. The school saw a dramatic reduction in excessive absences among students with historically high absenteeism rates. Additionally, targeted lessons addressing bullying, racial discrimination, and inclusion have led to noticeable improvements in student behavior and school culture. Teachers and staff have expressed their appreciation for the program’s personalized approach, which goes beyond standard lessons to meet the unique needs of BRES students.

One of the hallmarks of the BRES counseling program is its ability to sustain success even in the absence of key personnel. “You know a program is successful when someone can step away and you can still see the program's success,” said Godoy referencing Mrs. Munoz’s recent maternity leave. The systems and structures in place allowed for a seamless continuation of services ensuring students continued to receive the support they needed without disruption.

Through initiatives like the School Counselor Advisory Council and the Bulldog Mentor Program, the school has fostered strong relationships between students and caring adults, including teachers, classified staff, and community members. These efforts have helped open the door to mental health conversations with families, ensuring that students receive the social-emotional support they need to succeed.

The Bulldog Mentor Program was influenced and inspired by Harvest Valley Elementary's Mentors Matter program, further strengthening the district-wide commitment to student support and mentorship.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Partnerships and Mentorship

Now that Boulder Ridge Elementary has achieved RAMP recognition, the school is eager to build upon its success! Future goals include strengthening community partnerships, expanding the Bulldog Mentor Program to include district administrators and the school resource officer, and increasing opportunities for families to engage with the counseling program.

Parents and community members interested in volunteering for the Bulldog Mentor Program can contact Mrs. Muñoz via email for more information.

“We’re not done,” said Muñoz. “There’s always room for growth. We feel confident that our program can only get better, and we want every student to look back on their time at BRES knowing that they were supported by a team of caring adults.”

As Boulder Ridge Elementary celebrates this incredible milestone, the school extends its gratitude to students, families, staff, and community partners who played a role in making this achievement possible. With a continued commitment to student well-being and success, BRES remains dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.