Is school counseling confidential?
Counselors respect student privacy. However, confidentiality may be limited when:
A student is at risk of harming themselves
A student is at risk of harming others
Abuse or neglect is suspected
Disclosure is required by law
How often can my child meet with a school counselor?
Meeting frequency depends on the student's needs and the nature of the concern. School counseling is generally short-term (4-6 sessions).
How can my child meet with their grade-level counselor?
For self-referrals, students may submit their request to see their grade-level counselor via email, Google form (through the grade-level counselor Google Classroom page), or permission from their teacher.
When should parents or guardians contact a school counselor?
Parents or guardians should consider contacting their child's grade-level counselor if their child is experiencing:
Sudden changes in behavior
Friendship difficulties
Peer conflicts
Academic concerns
School avoidance
Family changes affecting school performance
Anxiety or stress
Grief or loss
Difficulty adjusting to middle school
Self-esteem concerns
Questions about high school planning
Parents may contact their child's grade-level counselor via email, telephone, and/or face-to-face conference. Although it is not necessary to have an
appointment, for a conference, we do suggest that one is made to ensure that the time devoted to meeting with us is prioritized.
What does a school counselor do?
School counselor support students in three areas:
academic development
social/emotional development
college and career readiness
Counselors help students overcome barriers to learning and develop the skills needed for success in school and beyond.
School counselors do not:
clinically diagnose mental health disorders.
Who should I contact if I have concerns about my child's grades?
Start by contacting your child's teacher(s). If additional support is needed, the school counselor can assist with problem-solving and coordination.
What if I want to change my child's class schedule?
If your child is missing a content class or have two of the same course on their schedule, please contact your child's grade-level counselor to correct the schedule issue. For all other concerns, please contact your child's grade-level counselor to review the school's guidelines on team or class changes,
How can parents support their child's success?
Parents can support their child by:
monitoring grades and attendance
maintaining communication with teachers
encouraging healthy routines (ex. getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, having good personal hygiene, digital citizenship)
discussing goals and future plans
staying involved in school activities
My child doesn't want to come to school. What should I do?
Contact the school counselor. attendance concerns may be related to academic, social, emotional, or adjustment issues that can be addressed collaboratively.
My child is being bullied. What should I do?
Report concerns to school administration and your child's grade-level counselor as soon as possible. The school will investigate according to district policies and provide appropriate support.
My child is struggling to make friends. Can the school counselor help?
Yes. School counselors can work with students on social skills, communication strategies, and healthy peer relationships.
Can students request to see a counselor without parent permission?
Students may request to meet with their grade-level counselor during the school day. Parents will be contacted as appropriate depending on the nature of the concern.
“In truth, honor, and integrity, Dutchtown Middle School will create an environment of excellence in all that we do.”