ASFM HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING

Counselors provide individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventative, and remedial needs of students. As well, counselors are trained to provide responsive services and crisis intervention; however, counselors do not provide therapy or long term counseling. School counselors design and implement instruction aligned to the American School Counseling Association Student Standards as well as SEL (Social Emotional Learning) plans that support overall current needs.

SEL competencies include:

• Understanding and managing emotions

• Setting and achieving positive goals

• Feeling and showing empathy for others

• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships

• Making responsible decisions

We look forward to working together with you this year to help ensure your child’s social-emotional growth and success in school.

Contact your counselor if you have questions or concerns about your child’s social/emotional wellbeing, adjustment, transition process, or any other concern that can assist in the prevention and in building a safe enjoyable environment to promote student success.

High school counselors are integral to the total educational program. They provide a proactive program that:

• Engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school staff, administration and community/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help students achieve success.

• Collaborates with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of student’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.

• Helping students understand how academic performance relates to college and post-graduate opportunities.

Contact your counselor if you have concerns, if your child is struggling or you need assistance advocating for student achievement and educational equity and opportunities.

High school counselors provide appraisal and advising in large group, small group and individual settings. Counselors assist in:

• Using assessments to help students understand their abilities, values and career interests, labor market trends and help them make decisions and long-term plans about their future.

• Introducing students to a wide variety of university options through college fairs, university visits, and information shared through the website.

• Helping students define important personal criteria for a good fit college choice including academic, social, geographic and financial factors.

• Encouraging students to have a well-balanced list of colleges including reach, fit and safety schools.

• Guiding students through the college application process, including requirements and timelines.

Contact your counselor if you need help assisting your child with course planning and selection; navigating postsecondary awareness, exploration, admissions and financial aid processes.