Dan Levine        |         Liann Palmieri          |          Danielle Bent          |         Sandra Cetina       |         Brigette Maquillon       |         Pablo Fuentes

Therapy Dog: L A D Y Jefferson 

Guidance counselors 7 members of the SBST in community schools play a crucial role in supporting students and their families. They provide a range of services and resources aimed at helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Here's how guidance counselors can assist students and families in a community school:

Academic Counseling:

• • Assist students in setting academic goals and creating educational plans.

  • Monitor students' progress and identify any academic challenges.

  • Provide guidance on course selection, study strategies, and time management.

  • Coordinate with teachers and parents to develop individualized education plans for students with special needs.

Social and Emotional Support:

• • Offer a safe and confidential space for students to discuss personal concerns or emotional challenges.

  • Provide counseling and coping strategies for issues such as stress, anxiety, peer relationships, bullying, and family difficulties.

  • Organize group counseling sessions or workshops on topics like conflict resolution, anger management, and resilience.

  • Refer students to external mental health professionals when necessary.

College and Career Guidance:

• • Assist students in exploring career interests and setting career goals.

  • Provide information about college and vocational training options.

  • Assist with college applications, scholarship searches, and financial aid applications.

  • Organize college fairs, career days, and guest speaker events to expose students to various career paths.

Family Support:

• • Communicate with parents/guardians about their child's academic and social progress.

  • Offer resources and referrals for family-related challenges, such as parenting workshops, family counseling, or community services.

  • Collaborate with families to create a supportive home environment that encourages learning and positive behavior.

Crisis Intervention:

• • Provide immediate support for students and families in crisis situations, such as sudden loss, trauma, or emergencies.

  • Connect families with external crisis intervention services and resources.

  • Work closely with school administrators and external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Advocacy and Resource Coordination:

• • Advocate for students' needs within the school system, ensuring they receive appropriate support and accommodations.

  • Collaborate with school staff, including teachers and administrators, to address academic and behavioral concerns.

  • Connect families with community resources, such as food assistance programs, housing support, and healthcare services.

Conflict Resolution:

• • Mediate conflicts between students, parents, and school staff.

  • Teach conflict resolution skills to students, empowering them to resolve disputes peacefully.

  • Promote a positive and inclusive school culture through conflict resolution initiatives.

Preventative Programs:

• • Implement prevention programs on topics like substance abuse, bullying, and mental health awareness.

  • Organize workshops and presentations to educate students and families about relevant issues.

  • Collaborate with teachers to integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum.

Community Engagement:

• • Build partnerships with local organizations and agencies to expand resources available to students and families.

  • Organize community events, workshops, and informational sessions.

  • Facilitate volunteer opportunities for students and families to get involved in community service.

Guidance counselors in community schools play a pivotal role in fostering student success, providing vital support to both students and their families, and creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment.