School Counseling Program and the Role of the Guidance Counselor

Framed by the American School Counseling Association’s National Model, we are a comprehensive, data-driven, school counseling program focusing on three domains: academic, career (including college) and social-emotional development of every child.

The counselor’s role is to facilitate the process of student growth and development in the educational program while planning for future success. Students can expect professional advice and assistance from the Guidance Department. The counselor serves as an important connection among the student, teacher, school and home.

Student contacts with a guidance counselor are both voluntary and scheduled. Counselors meet with students individually, in small group and larger group settings.

Class Meetings

Guidance Counselors meet with students by grade level several times each year to process grade-level appropriate inventories, assess learning and personality strengths, set short and long term goals, update resumes, research careers, majors and colleges, review the college process, sign on to Common Application and prepare for college application.

Individual Conferences

Counselors conferences with students individually to plan academic pathways and monitor progress, process personal or social issues and research and explore plan career and college pursuits. Students are encouraged to make appointments during unscheduled time, lunch or during extra help. They are also welcome to drop in. If the counselor is already engaged, the student may request for appointment. The student will be called in the next school day.

Parents are encouraged to contact the counselor or teacher for a conference when necessary. At times, such a conference will be initiated by the counselor. The counselor often confers with teachers, administrators, child study team members, student assistance coordinator and the school nurse to discuss effective means for helping the students.

Programs

The School Counseling and Guidance department offers programs throughout the year. All are welcome to to attend, regardless of grade level:

Freshman Parent Night (November)

Sophomore Parent Night (December)

Junior Parent Night (October and April)

Senior Parent Night (September)

Financial Aid Night (October)

College Panel (March)

PSAT/SAT/ACT information (Fall and Spring)

College Fair (October)

College Essay (June)

Program of Studies/Scheduling Nights (Feb)

Alumni Return Day (January)

Successful College Transition (May)