Counselor Roles

As students return to school, our staff is here to reassure parents and families that we have your child’s best interest in mind as they grow socially and emotionally with peers. To provide students with the best opportunity to grow, we have a variety of services provided by employees who have been specifically trained to address students who may need extra encouragement, assistance in managing and processing emotions, and the implementation of learning life skills (positive self-outlook, conflict resolution, problem-solving, as well as other needed topics). 

School Counselor

The school counselor, once known as ‘Guidance Counselor’, is here to connect families to resources available, be an advocate for your child, and provide in class lessons that support students' social and emotional growth.  In-class lessons focus on skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, gratitude, empathy, self-control. The overall goal of the school counselor is to ensure that students are being provided with equity in treatment and an environment that promotes learning as it is suited to their learning style. School counselors are also here to provide individual counseling as well as group counseling. The school counselor's primary goal is making sure that students and families are happy, healthy, and successful. 

Piedmont Community Services

To access services from Piedmont Community Services, a student would need to be referred by a teacher,  parent, or school counselor. The referral form would include basic information of the students’ behavioral issue(s). Upon completion of referral, parents are notified, and a meeting would be scheduled to determine what options there would be for the student to participate. Piedmont has a licensed counselor who will diagnose the student if there is no current diagnosis present. The service is typically offered to the students who have Medicaid, but is not excluded to those who do not. Counselor, parents, and the student set up a treatment plan consisting of 3 goals to complete during the school year. The student may be seen at least once a month to measure whether progress is being made towards goals or if there needs to be a change in the service plan. The Piedmont counselor also has the capability of monitoring medication management and can report to the nurse as needed to track medication compliance.