School Counseling Program & Role of the Guidance Counselor
The Guidance Department provides educational and vocational counseling to all students in the high school.
Framed by the American School Counseling Association’s National Model, we are a comprehensive, data-driven, school counseling program focusing on three domains: academic, career (including college) and social-emotional development of every child.
The counselor’s role is to facilitate the process of student growth and development in the educational program while planning for future success. Students can expect professional advice and assistance from the Guidance Department. The counselor serves as an important connection among the student, teacher, school and home.
Over the course of the four years, students and School Counselors will meet individually and in groups to address academic development, college/career development and social/emotional development. The primary focus of the counseling program is to help students identify their strengths, needs, interests and abilities. Through this ongoing developmental process, students will effectively learn to define their personal goals and achieve greater self-awareness.
As liaisons among faculty, students and parents, the School Counselors help to provide a framework for career exploration that fosters self-direction, personal motivation and incentive to reach one’s potential in all aspects of life. Career exploration and appropriate grade level testing span the course of the four years.
The counselors act as liaisons and resources for students and parents so that each student has opportunities to identify personal options. Helping students to reach their potential is the ultimate goal of the guidance program.
In addition to School Counselors, Student Assistance Coordinators and Wellness Coordinators provide ongoing support and individual counseling as needed to all students.
Contacts
Student contacts with a guidance counselor are both voluntary and scheduled. Counselors meet with students individually, in small group and larger group settings.
Class Meetings
Guidance Counselors meet with students by grade level several times each year to process grade-level appropriate inventories, assess learning and personality strengths, set short and long term goals, update resumes, research careers, majors and colleges, review the college process, sign on to Common Application and prepare for college application.
Individual Conferences
Counselors conferences with students individually to plan academic pathways and monitor progress, process personal or social issues and research and explore plan career and college pursuits. Students are encouraged to make appointments during unscheduled time, lunch or during extra help. They are also welcome to drop in. If the counselor is already engaged, the student may request for appointment. The student will be called in the next school day.
Parents are encouraged to contact the counselor or teacher for a conference when necessary. At times, such a conference will be initiated by the counselor. The counselor often confers with teachers, administrators, child study team members, student assistance coordinator and the school nurse to discuss effective means for helping the students.
School Counseling Programs
Fall/Winter: Winter/Spring:
Senior Parent Night Middle School Scheduling Information Night
Junior Parent Night - ‘Autumn Primer’ Program of Studies Night
KPA: College-Themed Discussion KPA: Scheduling-Themed Discussion
Social-Emotional/Student Safety-Themed Program Junior Parent Workshops - ‘Spring Update’
College Fair Financial Aid Update
Financial Aid Night(s) Supporting Your College-Going Student
Dual Enrollment Information Night(s) College Admissions Panel
Freshman Parent Night College Essay Speaker
Sophomore Parent Night Senior Awards Night