Counseling & Guidance

- Welcome
- Academic Support
- Graduation /A-G Requirements
- Dual Enrollment
- CTE Pathways
- Independent Studies
- Presentations
- Registration
- Social & Emotional Support
- Senior Information
- Transcript Requests
- Public Resources
Welcome
Welcome Panthers
Our Counseling and Guidance team welcomes you to Pioneer Valley High School. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive counseling program that supports the personal, academic, and social development of every student.
Counselors and support staff connect with students through one-on-one meetings, classroom presentations, and group sessions to ensure each student receives the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
Academic Support
Free Tutoring:

Parent Conferences:
PVHS offers parent conferences. Please contact your school counselor to set up a meeting.
Credit Recovery:
PVHS offers credit recovery options to help students make up courses required for graduation or A-G requirements.
Options Available:
-
Summer School: In-person live programming during the summer.
-
Cyber High: Credit recovery options for students in the Migrant Education program.
-
Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO): During the school year, students can enroll in an ELO elective course where they work on an online platform called Edgenuity to recover credits. ELO courses are prioritized for Seniors and Juniors.
For detailed information or to enroll, please contact your counselor.
Graduation /A-G Requirements
Graduation Requirements:
- SMJUHSD Graduation Requirements -VS- A-G Requirements (class of 2026 & 2027)
- SMJUHSD Graduation Requirements -VS- A-G Requirements (class of 2028 onward)
- Latin Honors Distinctions (class of 2028 onward)
- Graduation Honors Regalia
- College & Career Readiness Indicators
A-G / University Requirements:
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment (CCAP):
Dual Enrollment allows Pioneer Valley High School students two pathways to begin earning credits at Allan Hancock College while still enrolled in high school. College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) and High School Enrichment at AHC. Through this program, students can take community college courses right on their high school campus or on the college campus. These classes count toward both your high school diploma and your college transcript.
For more information and requirements for each pathway, see below and speak with your school counselor.
College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP)
College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP)
In CCAP Dual Enrollment, students enroll in AHC courses offered as part of a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership agreement between the Allan Hancock Community College District and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Classes taught at a high school during school hours are restricted and are only open to students from a participating high school district. Classes taught at a high school campus outside of school hours are open to the public. Students receive both high school and college credit for completing courses in the Dual Enrollment program.
See your school counselor for more information to get you enrolled in Fall or Summer Dual Enroll courses at PVHS.
High School Enrichment (formerly known as College Now!)
High School Enrichment (formerly known as College Now!)
High School Enrichment (Non-CCAP) allows students to enroll in AHC courses that are not covered by a CCAP partnership agreement with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. These courses are typically taken outside of the regular high school day. Enrollment fees are waived, but college-related fees apply (fees are typically $26-$50 per semester) . Students are also responsible for the cost of any books and supplies. Students receive college credit for courses taken, but their high school will determine if they are able to receive dual credit toward their high school graduation requirements as well.
See your school counselor for more information and get signed up for Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer courses.
- AHC Admission Application
- AHC Class Search
- Cal-GETC - The California General Education Curriculum refers to specific coursework at community college that transfers to a California State University (CSU) or a University of California (UC) campus.
FORMS:
DATES & DEADLINES:
SUMMER 2025 / FALL 2025
- Class Search Opens / Accepting Petition for Enrollment Paperwork for Summer/Fall: April 14, 2025.
- High School Enrichment Registration Begins: May 12, 2025.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Summer: June 9, 2025. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Fall: Aug 4, 2025. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
WINTER 2025/ SPRING 2026
- Class Search Opens / Accepting Petition for Enrollment Paperwork for Winter/Spring: Oct 13, 2025.
- High School Enrichment Registration begins: Nov 10, 2025.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Winter: Dec 1, 2025. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Spring: Jan 6, 2026. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
CTE Pathways
Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways:
Pioneer Valley High School offers high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) through a variety of structured career pathways. Each pathway is a clearly defined sequence of courses that takes you through progressive levels of technical learning: introductory and advanced.
CTE gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios while exploring a range of related career options — helping you build both skills and confidence for your future.
Below is a list of all the CTE pathways available at Pioneer Valley High School. For more information, talk to your school counselor.
Independent Studies
Short Term Independent Study:
- Must be fewer than 16 days over the course of the school year.
- Typically used in cases where a student is traveling out of the area for a short period of time.
- The student remains in their regular coursework and completes assignments before their return to school.
- If completed assignments are satisfactory, the student earns academic and attendance credit.
- Please see your school counselor as soon as possible to inform teachers and sign paperwork to be placed on Short Term Independent Study.
Long Term Independent:
- Must be more than 16 days over the course of the school year.
- Typically used in cases where students are unable to attend regular classes on campus.
- Independent Study may be taken on a full-time basis, or in conjunction with courses taken in a classroom setting.
- Independent Study requires approval from school administration.
- Please see your school counselor for more information on Long Term Independent Study.
Presentations
Parent Presentations:
- 9th Grade Parent Information Night- English
- 9th Grade Parent Information Night- Spanish
- 10th-11th Grade Parent Night- English
- 10th-11th Grade Parent Night- Spanish
- 12th Grade Parent Information Night- English
- 12th Grade Parent Information Night- Spanish
Classroom Presentations:
- 9th Grade- Time Management/Academic Plan
- 9th Grade Mental Health Matters
- 9th Grade California Colleges- Career
- 10th Grade- Sophomore Year Matters
- 10th Grade- College & Career Readiness & CTE Pathways
- 10th Grade- Imagine Your Future
- 10th Grade California Colleges-Career
- 11th Grade- Route to Success: Mastering A-G
- 11th Grade California Colleges-Career
- 11th Grade- Financial Aid 101
Registration
Course Registration:
Incoming Freshmen Registration will take place January. All other class registrations will take place during Spring Semester (approximately February) in your classes. Please connect with your counselor if you missed registration dates.
- Current 8th Grade: Rising Freshmen (Class of 2030)
- Current 9th Grade: Rising Sophomores (Class of 2029)
- Current 10th Grade: Rising Juniors (Class of 2028)
- Current 11th Grade: Rising Seniors (Class of 2027)
Current 8th Grade: Rising Freshmen (Class of 2030)
Current 9th Grade: Rising Sophomores (Class of 2029)
Current 10th Grade: Rising Juniors (Class of 2028)
Current 11th Grade: Rising Seniors (Class of 2027)
Social & Emotional Support
Social/Emotional Support on Campus:
- Wellness Center
- Effective School Solutions - see your counselor if interested.
Emergency/Hotlines:
Emergencies (24/7)- Call 911
Supportive Resources- Call 211
Suicide Crisis Lifeline (24/7)- Call or Text 988
Senior Information
Senior Quick Links:
- Senior College Timeline Information
- Senior Calendar of Events
- PVHS COLLEGE HANDBOOK - Class of 2026
- PVHS School Profile
- Launch ALL college application through California Colleges (CCGI)
- Graduation Honors Regalia
- College Readiness Indicators "Sashways"
- Letter of Recommendations
- Brag Sheet
- Transcript Requests (Parchment)
- Senior Picture Info
- Yearbook Info
- Jostens Cap & Gowns

Important Dates:
November 4, 2025 - Senior Meeting - 4th PERIOD
Nov 30th, 2025 - University Applications Deadlines
TBD , 2026 - Senior Panoramic Picture
April 30, 2026 - College Signing Day
May 16, 2026 - Prom
May 19, 2026 - Senior Awards Night
June 3, 2026 - Grad Nite
June 10, 2026 - Graduation Practice
June 11, 2026 - Graduation
Transcript Requests
Public Resources
- Alternative Education
- Clothing
- Food Resources
- Housing
- Internet Essentials
- Legal Services
- Mental Health
- Family Resources
- Transportation
Alternative Education
See the School Counselor for assistance
DELTA HIGH SCHOOL
SMJUHSD Public Alt Ed High School, Orcutt, CA
Credit Recovery. 16+ yrs old.
Meeting with counselor to sign paperwork and be placed on the list.
www.deltahs.org
1-805-937-6356
GRIZZLY YOUTH ACADEMY
Charter School
San Luis Obispo, CA
Military Academy/ Credit Recovery. 15.5+ yrs old
Meet with counselor to sign up for a tour
www.grizzlyyouthacademy.org
1-800-926-0643
PATHWAYS CHARTER SCHOOL
Fully Online Charter School, CA
Youth 16-17, OR 18 year old Adult Ed (reduced credits)
Transfer to Delta and they will help you transition to Pathways
www.pathwayscharterschool.org
1-619-371-5017
CALIFORNIA VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Fully Online Public School
Statewide virtual school
www.cava.k12.com
1-866-339-6787
OLIVE GROVE
Charter School
Santa Maria/O
rcutt, CA
Hybrid learning of in person and virtual classes
www.olivegrovecharter.org
805-623-1175
TRIVIUM
Charter School
Santa Maria, CA
Hybrid learning of in person and virtual classes
www.triviumcharter.org
805-291-9110
FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
Charter School
Santa Maria, CA
Hybrid learning of in person and virtual classes
www.fpcharter.org
1-805-348-3333
Clothing
Food Resources
See the Community Liaison for assistance
Cal Fresh
Provides a supplemental program that helps low-income people buy the food they need. Benefits are provided on an electronic card called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It can be used like a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores. You can apply online, in person at the Department of Social Services, or by calling (844) 289-4682
Foodbank - Santa Barbara County
(805) 967-5741
490 W Foster Rd.
The Food Bank is a non-profit organization that works to eliminate hunger by providing food, education, and other resources to a network of hunger relief charities and their communities. The Food Bank has many locations that offer food distribution.
Catholic Charities
(805) 922-2059
607 W Main St.
Provides services to individuals and families in need. Programs address social issues, such as homelessness, immigration, health care, and mental health. They also provide a food pantry, clothing, and household items in an emergency and offer case management services. Offers utility and financial assistance to families and individuals in economic crisis.
Salvation Army
(805) 349-2421
200 W Cook St.
The nonprofit organization serves individuals and families in need through social service programs. Its food pantry provides emergency food assistance. It also offers rental and utility payment assistance to qualified individuals and families. Free hot lunches are available during the week for everyone.
Housing
See the Community Liaison for assistance
Housing Authority
(805) 925-4393
200 W William St (Section 8)
204 West Williams (Public Housing)
Offers Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing.
Good Samaritan Shelter
(805) 347-3338
401 W Morrison Ave C
An emergency transitional shelter program for families experiencing homelessness, it offers a 90-day program in which clients work with a case manager to obtain permanent housing.
Domestic Violence Solutions- Shelters · 24/7
(805) 964-5245
Offers counseling, information and referrals, as well as emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence.
Internet Essentials
Legal Services
See the Community Liaison for assistance
Santa Maria Law Library
(805) 346-7548
312 E Cook Street
Monday-Friday 9am-12pm, & 1pm-4pm
Residents of Santa Barbara County have access to local self-service legal resources center. Assistance is provided by a California licensed attorney and is designed to help residents navigate the court system.
This program provides:
- Resources and referrals for legal services
- Information and support for the completion of legal documents
- Guidance with properly presenting a case to the court
- Educational materials, books and videos
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County
(805) 922-9909
201 S Miller Street STE 210
A non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to Santa Barbara County residents. Our mission is to provide high-quality civil legal services to low-income and other vulnerable residents in order to ensure equal access to justice.
- General Civil ·Small Claims Court ·Collecting a Judgment ·Unlawful Detainer ·Guardianship ·Adoption ·Domestic Violence Restraining Orders & Responses ·Civil Anti-Harassment Restraining Orders & Responses ·Landlord/Tenant ·Collections ·Name Changes
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
(805) 922-4564
2050 S Broadway #G
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) provides free legal services to low-income people living or working in rural California.
Importa
(805) 619-0644
327 Plaza Dr
Importa is a non-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services at a very low cost to low-income immigrants. Most of our work is supported by grants from the State of California.
Immigrant Legal Defense Center
(805) 886-9136
120 E Jones St #117
Provides free legal advice in Santa Barbara County to adults and children in detention centers and removal proceedings and community education to help immigrants understand their basic civil rights.
MICOP
(805) 623-5862
110 S Lincoln St Suite #201
To support, organize and empower the indigenous migrant communities in California’s Central Coast.
Immigration Hope of Santa Barbara
(805) 221-4319
995 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Mental Health
For private insurance, contact the phone number listed on the insurance card.
PVHS Wellness Center
See your counselor for a referral to the wellness center on campus
Holman Group (For those who have Medi-Cal)
1-800-321-2843
ACCESS Help Line · 24/7
Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness
500 West Foster Road
(888) 868-1649
Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness. A 24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Response and Service Access Line is always available. Someone is ready to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
CALM
(805) 614-9160
210 East Enos Drive, Suite A
Provides therapy for children and their families (non-offenders). Therapy is for children and families who have experienced sexual/physical abuse, violence in their home, or neglect
Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families
(805) 366-4040
2615 South Miller Street, Suite 106
Casa Pacifica provides an array of Mental health services for youth within Santa Barbara County. Offers adolescent and family services designed to treat victims of abuse and neglect, substance abuse, homelessness, and other behavioral and mental health issues.
Family Service Agency (FSA)
(805) 928-1707
105 N Lincoln Street
Provides individual and family counseling for children, youth, and their families. Provides parenting groups. Offers support groups for children and youth during summer. Groups consist of social skills, grief loss, and outdoor groups.
Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (CADA)
(805) 925-8860
526 East Chapel Street
CADA offers Prevention, Education, & Treatment of Substance Use Disorders for youth and families. Resources and support are available for children, adolescents, parents, and families through counseling, therapy, and education.
Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley
(805) 346-1774
201 S Miller St STE 209
We partner with the community and agencies to reduce violence, prevent substance abuse and promote health and safety for our youth and families.
Por Vida—One Community Action
Por Vida provides wraparound services through case management, group facilitation, peer-to-peer network support, and community involvement opportunities. The program aims to help students improve their grades and receive a high school diploma.
Family Resources
Building Blocks- SBCEO Childcare
805) 925-2567 x1820
829 S. Lincoln Rd. Santa Maria, CA. 93458
Provides free childcare for parenting minors, up until the age of 5 years old.
CareNet
(805) 928-9285
201 Miller St STE 101
Provides pregnancy tests, parenting classes, peer counseling, abstinence information, baby and maternity clothing, and professional referrals
Teenage Pregnancy & Parenting Program (TAPP)– CommUnify
(805) 349-9165
Evidence-based case management for expectant and parenting females (12-17 years old). Focusing on child well-being, health, parenting, relationships, and education.
WIC
(877) 275-8805
A supplemental nutrition program for eligible women and children under 5. Participants receive checks for food and monthly nutrition education to help achieve good health.
Transportation
Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT)
(805) 928-5624
Please contact your counselor by email or phone for assistance or to schedule a conference
PHONE: 805-922-1305 . FAX: 805-922-8203
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Counseling & Guidance Staff

Heydi
Elenes
12th & Incoming 9th Grade
Counselor A-L
helenes@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5768

Chris
Carrillo
10th Grade
Counselor A-L
ccarrillo@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5198

Crystal
Buchan
Wellness Center Counselor
cbuchan@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5601

Gabriela
Bardawil
Guidance Tech A-L
gbardawil@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5118

Rocio
Trujillo
12th & Incoming 9th Grade
Counselor M-Z
rtrujillo@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5763

Sue
Avrit
10th Grade
Counselor M-Z
savrit@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5775

Israel
Hernandez
HS & College Counselor
ihernandez@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5111

Marina
Rodriguez-Vargas
Guidance Tech M-Z
mrodriguez-vargas@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5117

Nadia
Mancha
9th Grade
Counselor A-L
nmancha@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5767

Sandra
Gonzalez
11th Grade
Counselor A-L
sgonzalez@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5765

Melani
Mederos
Career Center Specialist
mmederos@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5604

Miriana
Del Toro
9th Grade
Counselor M-Z
mdeltoro@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5754

Rebecca
Leadbetter
11th Grade
Counselor M-Z
rleadbetter@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5766
