About The Department
The Mental Health and Counseling Department has a focus on equitable practices, neuro-biologically sensitive interventions, and support for staff and students. Our coaching teams include Sustainable Wellness, Team Support, AWARE, Neurosequential Model for Individual Students, and Neurosequential Model for Systems.
Vision and Mission
The vision of Aurora Public Schools is that every student shapes a successful future.
In close collaboration with the Aurora community, the mission of the Mental Health and Counseling Department is to promote an environment where students feel a sense of belonging, create strong connections, and have the skills required to regulate their emotions so they can effectively access education and engage with the wider community.
Department Goals
- By May 2026, 85% of students will have a sense of connection to an adult at school, as evidenced by answering in the affirmative to the following question:
Grades 3-5: I know an adult at school that I can talk with if I need help.
22-23 Baseline: 80.67%
Grades 6-12: I know an adult at school that I can talk with if I need help.
22-23 Baseline: 67.19%
- By May 2026, 85% of students will have a sense of belonging to the school environment, as evidenced by answering in the affirmative to the following question:
Grades 3-5: I feel like an important part of my school community
22-23 Baseline: 63.43%
Grades 6-12: I feel like an important part of my school community
22-23 Baseline: 37.45%
- By May 2026, 85% of students will have a sense of their ability to regulate during the academic day, as evidenced by answering in the affirmative to the following question:
Grades 3-5: I know how to calm down when I am upset
22-23 Baseline: 56.0%
Grades 6-12: When I am upset, angry, or frustrated, I have strategies that I can use to calm myself down.
22-23 Baseline: 53.48%
Purpose
We are Aurora Public Schools. We are a community of cultivators, creators, and inspirational leaders who believe in the power of the collective genius.
Together we generate powerful and equitable learning outcomes for ALL. This is no ordinary district.
We believe that Educational Equity ensures that all children--regardless of circumstances--are receiving high-quality, grade-level, and standards-aligned instruction with access to high-quality materials and resources.
-UnboundEd
We are ❶ne Aurora and we are creating the future.
Our Belief
Studies show that the rate of educators' compassion fatigue and burnout is increasing. That is why APS has responded with a sustainable wellness strategy for staff. We believe that supporting our Mental Health and Counseling professionals is critical to compassion satisfaction.
Adults who are able to have attuned interactions with youth are internally regulated. And so, it is our ethical responsibility to ensure the wellness of our staff.
Our Community
APS is located in Aurora, one of the most diverse cities in Colorado. Our beautiful city, dubbed "Gateway to the Rockies", neighbors Denver and is an approximate one-hour drive from The Rocky Mountains. We enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine and rank in the top 10 cities for healthcare.
Our city is a premier destination made rich by immigrants, refugees, new citizens, and life-long residents thriving individually and collectively. In APS, we believe diversity is our strength and we are dedicated to equity in education. Our students, families, staff, and community members represent many races, nationalities, religions, and cultures that provide students a world of learning.
Aurora is an All-American City that is home to:
More than 400 ethnic restaurants
Breweries, three reservoirs, thriving nightlife, shopping, cultural centers, and more!
10 distinctive golf courses, national youth and adult sports tournaments
The world-class Anschutz Medical Campus
We are One Aurora and we are shaping the future!
Our District
APS is the fifth largest school district in Colorado with one of the most diverse student populations. Our students come from more than 130 countries and speak more than 160 languages. With nearly 40,000 students at 65 schools, our more than 5,000 expert and caring staff members are dedicated to helping every student succeed.
In APS, we believe families, staff, and community members share the responsibility for student achievement. We work together as "One Aurora" to provide culturally-relevant and rigorous learning experiences that help every student reach their full potential.
We are a district that reaches new levels of success year after year. Over the past five years, the APS Mental Health and Counseling department has built innovative systems and structures that enrich the social, emotional, and mental well-being of our students and staff.
Want to learn more? Click here for descriptions of School Psychologists, School Social Workers, and School Counselors -- or, click here to meet our staff!