The Counseling Department


Success through personalized support.


Young male student looks at camera through mirror reflection

Empowering students toward autonomy.

Our Counseling Department strives to enhance the well-being of our students and families by facilitating their emotional, interpersonal, academic and career development.

Our counselors provide individualized support for students and families, small group counseling, and facilitate conflict resolution to empower our students toward autonomy in grades K-12 and beyond. 

At New Foundations, caring is not just something we talk about, it is the essential first step in developing emotionally sound and socially competent stewards of our society.

Information & Resources

Virtual Calming Room 

Welcome to our Virtual Calming Room! This resource is a place where members of our school community can find tools and strategies to help manage everyday stressors, overwhelming feelings and find self care activities.

No matter where learning takes place – in the classroom, at home, virtually or on-the-go – it’s important to check-in physically and emotionally to ensure children are feeling energized, supported and ready for what’s ahead. Action for Healthy Kids provides creative tips and resources to support students and families.

What's in Your Toolbox?

The "What's in your Toolbox" campaign was created by the New Foundations Minds Matter Club to encourage the acknowledgment of something that's often overlooked: the simple things that cheer us up. The goal is to bring people together and raise positive mental health awareness by celebrating the things that make us happy, even during hard times. The Minds Matter Club thanks everyone for their participation! 

As stated in our school’s mission, we are here to “provide students with the academic, social, and emotional foundations and skills necessary to become high achieving, socially competent stewards of their communities. As a school, we embrace educating the whole child, which requires developing students’ social and emotional competencies as well as their academics.

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Skills for Successful Learning (K-8)
Skills for Successful Learning (K-8): To assist with the development healthy behavioral skills, and to manage the progress of students’ social-emotional competencies, the K-8 guidance department has created a Skills for Successful Learners Rubric, which monitors the following areas: Academic Self-Efficacy, Growth Mindset, GRIT, Emotional Competence and Learning Strategies & Classroom Effort.


Student Ambassadors (HS)
High school volunteers who serve as ambassadors for the school by guiding tours for visitors and hosting 8th grade shadow days for potential 9th grade students.


NFCS Minds Matter (HS)
NFCS Minds Matter (HS): Student led Mental Health Club that consists of students and faculty partnered with Minding Your Mind.
Alumni Transcript Requests
Email Ms. Allmond at gallmond@newfoundations.org. Please include your Full Name, Graduation Year, and Complete Address and/or Fax Number of where to send transcripts.


K-12 Transcript Requests
Email your assigned counselor for more information on how to request your transcript.
Working Papers
Students, aged 14-18, interested in acquiring working papers should visit the Career and Technical Education Center for more information.

Our commitment to our students extends beyond our walls, and includes a commitment to their communities and families. No matter what challenges come along, we are here to help our students and families face them together. Below is a list of community-based services available to you (please note these services and resources are not affiliated with New Foundations Charter School). We are here to help and facilitate relationships with these services as much as you need.

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What should I do if my child has a mental health emergency?
People with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, need immediate attention. The resources below offer support in prevention of and during crisis:

Philadelphia Children's Crisis Response Center (215) 878-2600 - Crisis support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support individuals, children, and families experiencing crisis situations. The center serves children and adolescents, ages 3-17. Address: 3300 Henry Avenue Falls Center 2, Suite 3N, Philadelphia, PA 19129.

Examples of issues and challenges that may bring a young person to Philadelphia Children’s Crisis Response Center include the following:

  • Severe behavioral disturbances
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Increased aggression and/or impulsivity
  • Worsening anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741


How can I find a mental health professional for myself or my child?

You can contact your insurance company to get a list of providers who are in your network. On the back of your insurance card, locate the managed care/substance-mental health customer service line. You can find affordable mental health services through Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Your company’s employee assistance program (EAP) can issue a referral to a provider. Reach out to your Human Resources office to get more information about your company’s EAP.

CAP 4 Kids 
Common Signs of a Teen with Suicidal Thoughts
Stop Breathe Think
Calm
CORA Family Resource Line
  • Speak with a CORA Employee FREE at (215) 342-7660 Monday-Friday between 9am-1pm with extended hours offered on Wednesday 3pm-7pm. 
  • Services include: Academic Support, Parent Consultation, Community Resources, Early Childhood 
Uplift At Home: Kids facing losses of all kinds (death and otherwise) as well as needing immediate emotional support can call UPLIFT Monday – Friday, 12pm – 9pm, and Saturdays/Sundays, 12pm – 4pm. The number is: 1-833-PHL-HOPE (or 833-745-4673).
Community Resource Connects: Find community services to support your family, such as food, utilities, transportation, and more.
Clarifi can help with financial issues related to Covid-19 and other issues. Services include help with developing an emergency financial plan, coaching for speaking with landlords and credit card companies, etc. Call 1-800-989-2227 to speak with a Clarifi representative.
Comcast Internet Essentials
  • Low Cost Internet 1-855-846-8376
  • Low Cost Computer - 1-888-710-4156
Low Cost Cell Phone Plans
Financial Assistance Programs for Home Utilities

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act is a federal law that defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence”. 

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If you live in any of the following situations, you may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Act
In a shelter
In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
In a car, park abandoned building, or bus or train station
Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
Unaccompanied youth which is defined as “a youth not in the physical custody of parent or guardian


Eligible students have the right to
Receive a free, appropriate public education
Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
Continue attending their school of origin if that is their preference and is feasible. If the school district believes the school selected is not in the student’s best interest, then the district must provide a written explanation and inform of rights to appeal its decision.
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students according to the students’ needs.


McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act - Basic Education Circular (BEC)

The McKinney-Vento Basic Education Circular (BEC) explains the categories of children who are "homeless" and entitled to protections under the law. Please click the link HERE to view the McKinney-Vento BEC.


McKinney-Vento Liaison Contact
If you have questions about eligibility for services or need assistance accessing resources, please contact Maya Davenny (LCSW), NFCS's McKinney-Vento Liaison, at 215-344-6410 x8.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Informational Letter to Families 2023-24  
McKinney-Vento FAQ
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., protects students from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance.

Are you a College Admissions or Trade School Representative wanting to schedule a presentation or visit with our students?

Class of 2024 Information & Resources

Senior Dues Amount: $185

Your Senior Dues Cover:

  • Cap & Gown
  • Diploma with Cover
  • Yearbook (With 2 individual pages)
  • Senior Shirt
  • Senior Breakfast
  • Senior Events (Prom is separate)

Payment Options (Suggested) 

October 31$46.25
November 30$46.25
January 31$46.25
February 29$46.25
April 12$125 for 1 prom ticket
$220 for 2 prom tickets


 * You can also pay bi-weekly, monthly or in multiple smaller payments. Cash or check can be handed into the main office or payments can be done on Infinite Campus under "fees"

Working Papers
Students, aged 14-18, interested in acquiring working papers should visit the Career and Technical Education Center for more information.

Our Counseling Department Staff

Ebonee James

Counselor, Grades K-5

James Newman

Counselor, Grade 6-8

Melody Lopez-Brown

Social Worker

Maya Davenny

Social Worker - McKinney-Vento Liaison

Rachel Pirrung

Counselor l Last Names Lev-Reye

Anna Pederson

Counselor l Last Names Dos-Leo

Brittany Buchanan

Counselor l Last Names A-Dor

Chelsea Calcado

Counselor l Last Names Reyn-Z

Unwavering Support