Embedded Files
Approved by the Marion School Board on January 14, 2026
Marion Counseling Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Marion School District’s Counseling Program is to provide equitable access to a data driven school counseling program that helps all students succeed personally, academically, and socially. School Counselors advocate that all students have opportunities to reach their full potential. By actively communicating with all students and stakeholders, and building relationships, we support a collaborative approach to creating a positive school community which will prepare our students for an ever changing global society.
Marion Counseling Program Vision Statement
The vision of the Marion School District’s Counseling Program is to provide an environment where every student can succeed. The goal for the program is for all students to see the intrinsic value in themselves, pursue meaningful postsecondary aspirations through commitment and a positive growth mindset, and to be compassionate, contributing members of their communities.
Career Readiness Data
CTE Participants - 119 of 155 (77%) students in Grades 9-12 are taking CTE courses
CTE Concentrators - 65 of 155 (42%) students in Grades 9-12
A CTE Concentrator is a secondary student who has completed (and passed) at least two CTE courses within a single career pathway in HS
Youth Apprenticeship - 11 students in Grades 11-12
Internship/Local Co-op - 16 students in Grades 11-12
Industry Recognized Credentials - 7 students in Grades 9-12
Pathways Offered - 7
FFA Participation - 88 (38%) students in Grades 7-12
Current Progress & Future Goals for Implementation
The Marion School District has been dedicated to career readiness initiatives for many years, fostering opportunities to prepare students for future success. Currently, the district is focused on creating and implementing the Academic and Career Planning (ACP) plan. The next steps include establishing regular team meetings and making ongoing edits and updates to refine and enhance the plan.
ACP Curriculum, Support & Services
Grade Level Appropriate Career Readiness Activities and Career-based Learning Experiences
K-12 Career Readiness Activities
ACP/School Counseling Services
Marion School Counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, School Counselors create a school culture of success for all.
School counselors help all students:
Apply academic achievement strategies.
Manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills.
Meet individually with students and families in 6th, 8th and 11th grade for school transition and career planning.
Plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, workforce).
Whole School Support:
Middle and High School students participate in bi-monthly ACP lessons with their Academic Success Hour teachers.
Elementary students are exposed to grade-appropriate career exploration activities and learn employability skills through active learning.
Variety of post-secondary partners from the military, business, and colleges/technical schools.
ACP Calendar of Events
Individualized ACP Support
Individualized support, appropriate to the student's needs, is provided during Academic Success Hour by professional staff, as they assist with updating and annually updating an academic career plan for each student. Grade 7-12 students meet bi-weekly with their Academic Success Hour teachers to review their school progress and ACP plans.
Access for All Students
If a student is a child with a disability, the student's academic and career plan shall be made available to the student's individual education program team. The student's individualized education program team may, if appropriate, consider the student's academic and career plan when developing the student's transition services.
Family Engagement
Marion Jr./Sr. High School implements specific strategies to communicate regularly with all students, families, and caregivers including students who are English Language Learners, students with IEPs, and students at risk of not graduating. Our communication efforts are designed to ensure that families are actively involved in the career readiness process. This includes hosting information sessions, offering materials in multiple languages, and providing personalized outreach to ensure that every family understands the resources and opportunities available for their student’s success.
Marion Jr./Sr. High School engages families and caregivers in academic and career planning by:
Using social media, Parent Square, and the classroom environment to share information and opportunities related to Academic and Career Planning.
Mailing letters home regarding signing up for an 8th and 11th grade Academic and Career Planning Conference and inviting families into school for the individual meeting.
Community Partnerships
Marion Jr./Sr. High School is proud to collaborate with many business and community partners. Some examples of ways that we have reached out to our business and community partners include:
Youth Apprenticeship Partnerships, Job Shadowing, Business Tours, Mock Interviewing, Guest Speakers, and ACP Process Involvement.
ACP Overview
The School District of Marion does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status or parental status, sexual orientation or disability. The Director of Special Education & Pupil Services is the district's compliance officer. If you have concerns, please call (715) 754-4501.
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