The Counseling Office at NSJHS

A school counselor is a professional member of the school staff, who has been trained to address the personal, academic and career concerns of students in New York State schools.

School counselors are certified educators who assist all students, parents, teachers and administrators. The primary role of the school counselor is to help students as they seek to identify and achieve personal goals, as well as academic goals. The school counselor is an advocate for students.

School counselors work with students individually or in groups, and with parents. School counselors counsel, consult and coordinate. They refer families to other resources within the school and community when necessary. The school counselor is a resource for all students and their families, and can be a source of support.

The role of the school counselor is to assist students with ANY issue or concern that they might have. We are here to listen and help that student find solutions. As educators, we can teach children social skills, friendship skills and how to solve social dilemmas.

In Eighth Grade, students are introduced to their counselor, and work with his counselor through the end of Ninth Grade. The counselor will meet with their students as needed, and also once during the year for their Annual Review. As part of the student’s transition process into Tenth Grade, the Junior High counselor will share relevant information with the high school counselor. The student will then work with one counselor throughout high school.

How do I see my school counselor?

Stop by his or her office, or make an appointment for a convenient time, or ask your teacher for a pass.

What do you do in your counselor’s office?

Talk. Plan. Refocus. Some examples of what kids talk about are issues such as: transition to junior high, peer relationships, organizational skills, test-taking strategies, career and job interests, scheduling, home issues, report card grades, progress report comments, stress management, anger management...to name a few.

Do school counselors provide therapy?

No. School counselors provide short term counseling. We provide support and encouragement for a wide range of issues.

Do school counselors consult with parents?

Absolutely! We encourage parents to talk with us about their child so we can work together to help each student reach his or her potential.

What is the role of the school counselor in relation to parents and teachers?

The counselor’s job is to facilitate information and communication. The classroom teacher is always your primary resource regarding schoolwork. The counselor participates in parent-teacher conferences, suggests strategies or interventions, serves as a resource, and can provide referrals to other community agencies.

Another member of our staff is the school social worker. School social workers are masters level professionals who are New York State Certified. The school social worker’s role is to develop trusting relationships with students and provide individual and/or group counseling services to enhance well-being, self-esteem and the ability to succeed. The school social worker is available to speak with students during times of crisis as well as routinely. School social workers also provide referral information and emotional support for families facing any type of challenge or difficulty.

The School Social Workers in our building are Mrs. Blatt, (315) 218-3632 or eblatt@nscsd.org and Miss Petrie, (315) 218-3658 or rpetrie@nscsd.org.