The Cornwall Central School District’s Comprehensive School Counseling Program is organized to provide a developmentally appropriate, tiered system of support for all students across the K–12 continuum. The structure ensures that counseling services are proactive, data-informed, and aligned with both student developmental milestones and district goals for academic, social-emotional, and career readiness.
Focus: Building Foundations for Learning and Social-Emotional Growth
At the elementary level, the counseling program lays the groundwork for academic and personal success by teaching fundamental social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Counselors provide classroom lessons, small-group sessions, and individual counseling that promote self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and problem-solving.
Key Components:
Classroom guidance lessons aligned with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors and NYSED SEL benchmarks.
Early intervention and prevention programs addressing attendance, behavior, and emotional regulation.
Collaboration with teachers and families to support early learning and adjustment.
Introduction to basic career awareness and goal-setting concepts.
Middle School Level (Grades 5–8)
Focus: Exploration, Identity Development, and Academic Planning
The middle school counseling program helps students navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence, fostering self-discovery, responsibility, and planning for the future. Counselors provide structured opportunities for students to explore interests, develop decision-making skills, and strengthen resilience.
Key Components:
Academic advisement and support for developing organizational and study skills.
Career and college awareness activities through interest inventories and career clusters.
Group counseling and classroom lessons focused on social relationships, self-esteem, and conflict resolution.
Transition support for students entering and exiting middle school.
Collaboration with teachers, families, and support staff through the Instructional Support Team (IST).
High School Level (Grades 9–12)
Focus: Post-Secondary Readiness, Personal Responsibility, and Lifelong Learning
The high school counseling program prepares students for success beyond graduation by guiding them through academic planning, career exploration, college readiness, and personal development. Counselors provide individualized advisement to help each student create and implement a plan that aligns with their interests, strengths, and aspirations.
Key Components:
Individual academic and post-secondary planning meetings for each student.
Coordination of college and career readiness programs, including Financial Aid Night, College Fair, and Career Fair.
Support for AP and dual enrollment coursework, scheduling, and graduation requirements.
Counseling services addressing personal, social, and emotional well-being.
Collaboration with families, local employers, colleges, and community organizations to expand opportunities.
Across all levels, the Cornwall Central School District Counseling Program is unified by shared themes that promote continuity and collaboration:
Equity and Access: Ensuring all students have equal opportunity to benefit from counseling services and postsecondary pathways.
Data-Driven Practice: Using attendance, behavior, and academic data to identify student needs and measure impact.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): Integrating counseling interventions with academic and behavioral supports.
Community Partnerships: Engaging local agencies, colleges, and employers in providing resources and real-world connections for students.
Family Engagement: Encouraging communication, workshops, and resources that strengthen the school-home connection.
The Cornwall Central School District recognizes that an effective counseling program requires consistent evaluation and reflection. The district commits to:
Conducting annual reviews of program goals, outcomes, and delivery methods.
Using student, parent, and staff feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Aligning counselor professional development with evolving best practices and ASCA standards.
Through these measures, the district ensures its counseling program remains responsive, comprehensive, and impactful for all students.