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Student Services

PSHS School Counseling

Crisis & Grief Resources

Handouts:

Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, and Grief

Death and Grief

Talking to Your Kids About Suicide

Recommended Books for Children Coping with Loss and Trauma

Reacting to Grief

Coping Strategies

Building Resiliency


Crisis/ Mental Health Websites:

re:solve Crisis Network

STAR Center (Services for Teens At Risk)


Cognitive and Behavioral Health Resources:

Parent to Parent of PA

PA Department of Education - Bureau of Special Education

Parent Information: Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD and Addiction: What's the Connection?

ADDitude Magazine

Learning Disabilities Online

Autism Speaks

PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance, Inc.

Cognitive, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities

Intervention Central

Transition



Grief Resources Websites:

The Caring Place

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

National Institute of Mental Health: Teen Depression

PHS Social Work Services

Counselor Newsletter

Address: 900 Elicker Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15239

Phone: (412) 795-4880

Fax: (412) 795-3527

School Hours: Monday-Friday 7:10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

District Calendar

Special Education and Pupil Services

Clever

Nurse

Technology and Innovation

Transportation

Plum Senior High School Administration Contacts:

Principal: Mr. Joseph Fishell

E: fishellj@pbsd.net

P: 412-795-4880

Twitter: @fishellj

Asst. Principal: Mr. Adam Szarmach

E: szarmacha@pbsd.net

P: 412-795-4880 x 6311

Twitter: @MrSzarmach_PHS

Asst. Principal: Mr. Michael Gauntner

E: gauntnerm@pbsd.net

P: 412-795-4880 x 6313

Twitter: @phsmustang


Admin Assistant: Mrs. Shari Klein

E: kleins@pbsd.net

P: 412-795-4880 ext. 6301

Admin Assistant: Mrs. Cara Monick

E: monickc@pbsd.net

P: 412-795-4880 ext. 6302

Attendance: Mrs. Susan Doyle

E: doyles@pbsd.net

P: 412-795-4880 ext. 6321


District Strategic Vision

VISION

The vision of Plum Borough School District is to be a distinguished educational organization where well-rounded students are exceptionally prepared for success.

MISSION

The mission of the Plum Borough School District is to be a top performing school district by increasing levels of academic rigor and student achievement through the development and execution of best practices, accountability, the highest ethical standards, and an unrelenting commitment by ALL to embrace excellence and pride in everything that we do.

BELIEFS

  • We believe every child has a right to a high-quality and rigorous education in a safe, student-centered and an accountable environment.

  • We believe collaborative partnerships focused on continuous improvement will serve to create educational opportunities for our students.

  • We believe in developing productive and responsible citizens who are exceptionally prepared for success.

  • We believe a first-rate workforce will foster an environment that is foundational to all academic success.

  • We believe all children can learn and develop their talents in a positive, supportive, caring and growth mindset focused environment.


Meet the High School Counselors

Mr. Fekety

Serving last names A-Do

Contact Information:

Email: Feketyr@pbsd.net

Phone: (412)798-6316

Mrs. Plesco

Serving last names Dr-La

Contact information:

Email: Plescok@pbsd.net

Phone: (412)798-6309

Mrs. Crissman

Serving last names Le-Rh

Contact Information:

Email: Crissmant@pbsd.net

Phone: (412)798-6317

Mr. Mull

Serving last names Ri-Z

Contact Information

Email: Mull@pbsd.net

Phone: (412)798-6315






Counseling Services

The counselor's primary task is to help all students become better individuals by providing a comprehensive program that meets their academic, personal/social, and career development needs. This is accomplished by providing personalized planning, responsive services and system support. Counselors achieve this goal by providing personalized and responsive services to all Plum students. Community partnership offers system supports for students and maximizes the student's potentials and opportunities.

Responsive Services

Individual counseling is available for those students who need to talk. A variety of services are available to meet these needs:


  • SAP (Student Assistance Program) - The SAP is a weekly meeting designed to assist school personnel to identify issues, including alcohol, drugs and others, which pose a barrier to a student's learning and school success. Student assistance is not a treatment program; rather it is a systematic process using effective and accountable professional techniques to mobilize school resources to remove the barriers to learning, and, where the problem is beyond the scope of the school to assist the parent and the student with information so they may access services within the community. Referrals can be made by the student, parents, peer(s) or faculty member(s).

  • Drug & Alcohol Liaison - This individual is contracted by the district to conduct initial D&A assessments that may result in referrals for treatment.

  • Counselor referrals - In times when a student may benefit from a more specialized source of help, the counselors serve as a resource for families in referring them to social and community agencies.

  • Academic Supports - For students who find themselves in need of academic assistance, the counselors can help to facilitate in-house and/or outside tutoring.


Additional Services for Families and Students:

  • UPMC Resolve Crisis Services is a 24/7 crisis hotline that can be reached by dialing 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (796-8226).

  • University of Pittsburgh Resources for families who are in need of mental health services or other crisis services.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • Safe2say

Personalized Planning

The counselors serve as resources for both students and parents by assisting with the following:

  • Course selection and scheduling

  • Standardized test interpretation

  • Grade level individualized planning sessions

  • Junior student interviews

  • Junior Post Secondary Planning Classroom Meeting

  • Senior individual post graduation planning

For All Students:

  • Meet with students in need of personal and social support, and make appropriate referrals

  • Course selection and scheduling

  • Participate in the IEP and GIEP process for identified students

  • Conduct Section 504 Evaluations and act as case managers for identified students

9th Graders:

  • Meet with rising ninth-graders to discuss the transition to high school and again to make course selections

  • Assist ninth-graders with the transition to the high school during Move Up Day and Freshman Orientation

  • Deliver curriculum to all ninth-graders that includes goal setting, career and four-year planning, and transcript awareness

  • Meet with all ninth-graders for course selection for 10th grade

  • Provide Career & Technical Education Presentation through Forbes Career and Technical Center representatives.

10th Graders:

  • Deliver curriculum to all 10th-graders that focuses on career research and connecting potential college majors to course selection

  • Administer PSAT and assist students with the analysis of results

  • Students will have the opportunity to participate in a college fair

  • College representatives will be accessible to meet with students

11th Graders:

  • Conduct post-secondary planning unit in English and social studies classes regarding career and post-secondary educational goals for both college-bound and non-college-bound students, and provide a timetable and planning procedures for college admissions process.

  • Meet with students (and parents) individually to plan for the post-secondary process

  • Administer PSAT and assist students with the analysis of results

  • Assist in the timeline for SAT registration

  • Students will have the opportunity to participate in a college fair

12th Graders:

  • Deliver post-secondary planning unit to all seniors and then counsel in small groups in regards to senior timetable

  • Follow-up individually with all 12th-grade students for post-secondary planning/graduation plan

  • Provide a financial aid/FAFSA presentation through PHEAA for all 12th-grade parents at the fall open house

  • Students will have the opportunity to participate in a college fair





System Support

The counselors provide professional development for staff members, collaborating with community agencies and working as a team with parents, teachers and administrators.


Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Student Assistance Program

The Student Assistance Program began in 1985 and was initially designed to identify students who showed signs of drug and alcohol problems. Soon there after SAP was found to be an effective tool to identify any student who was experiencing academic, social and/or emotional distress. Student Assistance Programs statewide continue to evolve according to the current needs and trends.

Plum Senior High SAP would like to inform parents of some of the resources that are available to our students. Currently PHS has two outside liaisons who come into the building. The purpose of the liaisons is to meet with students and do an individual screening/ interview with the student. After the confidential interview, the parents/guardian is contacted by the liaison to make a recommendation of available services. Sometimes the recommendation may be outside counseling, touching base with the liaison every other week or no needs at this time. If you are concerned about your child and would like a confidential screening, please contact your child’s guidance counselor.


Bullying Prevention

Bullying Defined:

Plum Borough School District Policy 249 reads, “Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or series of acts directed at another students or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has an effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student’s education.

2. Creation of a threatening environment.

3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

Please refer to district policy 249 for a further definition of bullying.

Life at the High School:

The daily life at the high school provides no room for bullying. Through student activities, teacher mentoring, peer assistance, the Student Assistance Program, induction and orientation, and RTII, we aim to promote positive behavior. All members of the high school community are responsible for accentuating the positive in attempt to minimize the negative bullying.


It is the expectation that both staff and students develop responsible decision making in the members of the school community. The theory behind our approach is to build upon the bullying prevention strategies presented in elementary and junior high school. We look to break the cycle of bullying through establishing a positive school culture.

What to Do When You See Bullying:

Though the aim is to rid our high school of bullying altogether, at times, it occurs. Should a student witness bullying, he/she should immediately report it to a teacher, administrator or any adult in the building. The district employee will ensure that the matter is addressed and/or the high school principals are made aware of the situation.

Interventions the High School Provides:

When dealing with pervasive bullying, the high school staff addresses the issue in a variety of ways. Students who choose to bully others will always be disciplined in accordance with the discipline outlined in the student handbook. The aim of all efforts is to educate students about holding themselves as responsible citizens who make positive contributions to society. Listed below are the interventions utilized at the high school to deal with the problem of bullying.

1. Counseling

2. Peer Mediation

3. Student Assistance Program

4. Police Intervention

5. School Discipline

6. Behavior Monitoring Chart

7. Positive Behavior Recognition

8. Bullying and Harassment Complaint Procedures


For Additional Resources visit the District Webpage


Rachel's Challenge

What is Rachel's Challenge?

Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999. Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year.


Superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and students bring Rachel’s Challenge into their schools because of escalating problems such as: bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination, school violence, and increased disciplinary actions. Through powerful presentations, trainings, community events, and professional development, Rachel’s Challenge provides the sustainable solution.


Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day. Rachel’s Challenge renews our hope that our life has meaning and purpose. Rachel’s story gives us permission to start our own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools and communities.


This is a district-wide initiative to increase kindness through each building:

  • Plum High School Student Kick-Off- Wednesday, November 3, 2021

        • Community Night- Wednesday, November 3, 2021 (evening)

  • O'block Junior High/Holiday Park Kick-Off- Thursday, November 4, 2021

        • Community Night- Thursday, November 4, 2021 (evening)

  • Pivik/Center- Friday, November 5, 2021 (no community night)



To Learn More Please Visit: https://rachelschallenge.org/about-us



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