Guidance Questions & Answers

What do counselors do?

The counselors at Spackenkill High School consist of guidance counselors, a school psychologist, and a social worker that work as a team with students, parents, and teachers. The primary function of this team is to counsel with students on any matter that they feel is important. Many students expect a counselor to solve problems. What a counselor can do is help students (and their families) select a possible solution to a problem and continue to help select possible solutions until things improve.

How do students get to meet with a counselor?

Counselors make an effort to meet and build relationships with their students. Students are always welcome in the guidance office and can come for advice and support throughout the school day.

How are students referred to a counselor?

Students are referred to the counselors through self-referrals, teachers/staff, other students, parents, administrators, and the nurse.

What can counselors help with?

Some of the topics that have been discussed with counselors include peer relationships, divorce, loss of a loved one, peer pressure, self-esteem, personal difficulties, choices, drugs and their dangers, personal/family difficulties, expressing and managing feelings (anger, sadness, jealousy, etc.), effective communication, homework, grades, student/parent relationships, student/teacher relationships, courses required for graduation, career exploration, setting goals, and other concerns. All issues discussed with a student and/or parents are kept in strict confidence.

In addition to the services mentioned above, counselors work with students in group settings, such as group counseling and mediation, to effectively reach those with common concerns and issues. Group counseling provides a safe haven for students to share feelings and receive support when facing certain issues such as divorce, etc. Mediation between peers, teachers, etc. is sometimes necessary as a solution for an issue or concern.

Can counselors recommend resources outside of school?

Counselors maintain working relationships with agencies that may be of help to families in need. Please contact your child's counselor for recommendations.

How do I request homework for my child?

Homework can be requested if your child is absent from school. Please call the main office before 9:00 AM in order for homework to be requested for that day. Homework is available to be picked-up in the main office after 3:00 PM.

How can my child obtain working papers?

An employment certificate, often referred to as "working papers," is required for minors before they may begin to work. Students who are interested in obtaining their working papers can pick-up an application from the guidance office. Once an application is completed, a certificate will be issued. Students should keep this certificate in a safe place.

How do the counselors support career exploration?

Career Zone, an interactive web site, is a resource which the counselors use to support students' questions about a variety of occupations. Many of the descriptions include videos which provide an overview of the occupation.