Ponderosa Middle School

Did you know Ponderosa Middle School students have access to mental health professionals and skills builders right inside the school?

Klamath Basin Behavioral Health ’s Tina Zaragoza has an office inside Ponderosa to provide students with a safe space to talk, reset and build positive coping skills. Whether it’s a quick breathing break, a game of Uno, or just someone to listen, students know they have support in a space where information is kept confidential.

Through a partnership with Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, these services are available to any student. The process begins when students are referred to Ponderosa counselor Brittany Clark, who then connects them with Zaragoza.

“Sometimes they just need a minute,” Zaragoza said. “We’ll step out, do breathing exercises, or play a quick game of Uno. It helps them reset and get back to class.”

“No matter what they’re going through, it’s real for them. My job is to listen and make sure they know they have a safe place here.”

Ponderosa is grateful for Tina and the entire KBBH team for helping our students daily.

For more information, reach out to the front office at Ponderosa or Clark.

Photo: Ponderosa Middle School counselor Brittany Clark, left, with students during the school's open house last Thursday, September 11 at Poderosa Middle School.

Photo: Klamath Falls City Schools offers support to students through a partnership with Klamath Basin Behavioral Health. Tina Zaragoza, center, held a table alongside her fellow staff at KBBH during Ponderosa's open house last Thursday, September 11 at Poderosa Middle School.