What exactly does a school counselor do?
We assist students with academic advising and planning, facilitate counseling groups, and conduct guidance lessons through your students regular classes. We also meet with teachers and parents to help plan appropriate interventions and strategies for struggling students.
What are some reasons to see the counselor?
Problem with your schedule; conflict with a friend, teacher or family member; questions about grades; bullying; self-esteem issues; or mediation to name a few.
How to See a Counselor
Students may want to meet with the counselor for a number of reasons ranging from academic concerns to peer pressure. Always check in with your teacher first. Visit the student center before or after school, during lunch or advisory. Students with emergencies may see a counselor immediately.
What if a counselor requests to see me?
You are NOT in trouble! We are here to help you.
Schedule Change Requests
All students requesting a schedule change should see their grade level counselor. Schedule changes are not guaranteed. Changes are based on space availability, the master schedule, and administrative approval. Teacher changes, lunch/advisory changes and a desire to be with friends are not valid reasons for requesting a schedule change. Lunch/advisory changes cannot be granted due to space limitations, therefore, please do not submit a change request form for a lunch change.
Can my child change electives after the first 2 weeks of school?
This is rarely approved due to the fact that our electives are year-long classes. We do not wish to set up students for failure due to having missed crucial instruction.
Why are some classes larger than others?
Master scheduling is like a huge puzzle. It is built based on what students request on their choice sheets and staff are allocated accordingly. Electives and team planning times really drive the schedule creating some periods of smaller core classes and some with larger numbers due to fewer electives at that time.
Can I just drop in to see my child’s counselor?
Due to our variable schedule, it is best to email or call to set up an appointment.
Can I set up an appointment with my child’s team through the counselor?
It is best to contact the team leader (teacher) directly. They can help assist with these appointments.
How does my child get tested for TAG?
Each year in late fall (typically mid-November to early December) students may be referred for the TAG program by a parent, teacher, or by the student. Testing is done in January and results of the selection committee arrive to parents in May. Once parent permission is obtained, the student would start TAG services at the beginning of the following school year.
I think my child has a disability…how do they get services?
All districts follow a Response to Intervention process. A team meeting is held and an action plan is developed to provide intervention in the general education setting. Follow-up meetings and different interventions are implemented as needed, with a possible result of referral for 504 or special education evaluation of which in rare cases a student needs highly specialized instruction or the curriculum needs to be altered significantly.
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