Embedded Files
MISSION:Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program addressing the academic, career, personal and social development of all students. In partnership with students, staff, family, community, and workforce; we strive to prepare students to become effective lifelong learners and leaders, achieve success in school, live successful rewarding lives, and develop into contributing members of society.
VISION: Our vision is to provide developmentally appropriate counseling services for all students; so that; they become successful leaders recognizing and achieving to their fullest potential in all areas of life.
Does the term "Guidance Counselor" sound more familiar?
School Counselors emerged in schools in the late 1800s. The first term used to describe counseling in the school setting was “vocational guidance.” In the 1930s, pupil personnel services brought guidance into its programming, offering students information, assessment, counseling, placement, and follow-up. Counseling became the most in-demand service, and the common terms became “guidance” and “counseling. In the early 1990s, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) tasked counselors to create their own comprehensive school counseling program. These programs needed to be, “designed to facilitate human growth and learning and at the same time foster resiliency with a preventive, proactive focus while providing a support system”.
Why Middle School Counselors??
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership is encouraged as it enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
Content taken from ASCA's website at www.schoolcounselor.org
School counselors are ethically bound to keep student disclosures confidential to build trust, with two main exceptions: clear and imminent danger (self-harm, harm to others) and mandatory child abuse reporting.
Report abuse