what does a school COUNSELOR do?

Ponderosa's comprehensive school counseling program is preventative and educational in nature. All students receive weekly classroom counseling lessons. Small group and individual counseling is provided via referral by teachers, parents, or students themselves. All sessions are conducted according to Kentucky School Counselor Ethics and Standards. Information communicated by counseling clients is considered confidential and is not released without client consent or "duty to warn" principle. The counselor may seek additional outside agency resources for further treatment or evaluation.

Some common counseling issues that are addressed in whole-group classes or in a small group/individual counseling settings may include; teaching empathy, friendship, bullying, problem solving, goal setting, academic achievement, promoting positive habits, careers, economics, coping skills, feelings/emotions, and life changes.

The School Counselor is a member of the education team that assists teachers and administrators with parent conferences, testing, counseling referrals, PLC's, student achievement, behavior plans, family needs, and resources for parents. In addition to providing assistance to staff, the counselor offers valuable assistance to students, helping them with their academic goals, social and personal development, and career development.