Direct Services

Small Group Counseling 

Small group counseling is available to students in need, and may be requested by parents, students, or school staff.  Parental permission is required.  Groups are designed so that students may gather together, in a confidential setting, to work through an issue that is preventing them from doing their best in school.  Students will have the opportunity to interact and connect with peers, practice new skills, provide and receive feedback, and set goals, as needed.  Because group counseling is performed in small groups and requires more time and preparation than some other school counseling interventions, group participation is extremely limited and groups may only be offered to students that have challenges that may be impeding upon their success in school.  Small group counseling is considered a short-term intervention and generally lasts for 4-6 sessions.  Students can be referred by their teachers, administrator, school counselor or through the Response to Intervention (RTI) process. 

Small Group Counseling (Other topics may be added, as needed and according to need.)

• New Student Groups

• Each grade level school counselor will hold at least two groups per semester. 

• At least one group will target academic needs and the other will target social/emotional/mental health needs.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is available to ALL students in need, at the request of the student, parent, or staff member.  Through individual counseling, students are able to express concerns in a safe environment, where problem solving can then take place.  A variety of techniques may be used by school counselors to create a positive and lasting impact.  During individual counseling, school counselors may use books/ print resources, videos, handouts and manipulatives as well as various tools and techniques.  

Individual Counseling Parameters:  While individual counseling is an integral part of every school counseling program, parents and students should understand and be informed that school counselors are not intended to act as intensive, long term therapists.  If a parent requests sessions of a weekly, structured, scheduled, manner; these sessions will be short term, in nature, after which the parents can use discretion and decide whether they want to explore counseling services outside of the school, at their own expense.

Referrals:

Request to See Your School Counselor Form

Students have multiple means of getting in touch with their school counselor.  These means include sending their counselor a message on Schoology, filling out this electronic form, or stopping by the school counseling office to fill out a pass.  Though students may also ask a staff member to call/ e-mail their school counselor, independence and initiative on the students part is greatly encouraged.  Parents may refer a student by phone, e-mail, or in person.  While students may see their school counselor at any time for brief discussions, parental permission is required prior for a series of planned sessions.  

Referrals for individual counseling can be made by parents (may refer their own child), teachers, administrators, and students. 

School Counseling Curriculum 

School Counseling Curriculum lessons are aligned with the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors and ASCA National Model.  These mindsets are designed to foster the personal, social, academic, and career development of all students.  We feel that students learn best through activity, engagement and memorable experiences, so many lessons will be hands-on and interactive in some way.  We will be working closely with various members of the school staff to ensure that classroom lessons are meeting the developmental needs of students and supporting school success. 

School Counseling Curriculum 

Introduction to School Counseling and Starting the Year Right

Major Clarity and Student Success Skills

Signs of Suicide (8th Grade Only)

Course Selection and Planning

Using Major Clarity for Academic and Career Planning