Wakefield High School Student Services

The Counseling & Student Services Department of Wakefield High School will provide a comprehensive developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. School counselors, as a part of the Wakefield High School learning community, will advocate for all students so that they have equity and access to the tools which enable them to become responsible and productive citizens. Counselors will advocate for the success of every student so that they can effectively manage future challenge and progress confidently into an ever-changing society. 


@WHSStudentSvcs


@WakefieldHS_Counselors

Statement of Beliefs

The professional school counselors at Wakefield High School believe:


The School Counseling Program Should:


The Role of a High School Counselor

Today’s young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse and mobile society, new technologies, and expanding opportunities. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders, and citizens, every student needs support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Adolescents face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that impact academic achievement. 

High School Student's Developmental Needs

High school is the final transition into adulthood and the world of work as students begin separating from parents and exploring and defining their independence. Students are deciding who they are, what they do well, and what they will do when they graduate. During these adolescent years, students are evaluating their strengths, skills and abilities. The biggest influence is their peer group. They are searching for a place to belong and rely on peer acceptance and feedback. They face increased pressures regarding risk behaviors involving sex, alcohol and drugs while exploring the boundaries of more acceptable behavior and mature, meaningful relationships. They need guidance in making concrete and compounded decisions. They must deal with academic pressures as they face high-stakes testing, the challenges of college admissions, the scholarship and financial aid application process and entrance into a competitive job market. 

Meeting the Challenge

Secondary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Secondary school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help the student achieve success in school. Professional school counselors align and work with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school-counseling program. The ASCA National Standards in the academic, career, and personal/social domains are the foundation for this work. The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs, with it’s data-driven and results-based focus serves as a guide for today’s school counselor who is uniquely trained to implement this program. 

School Counseling Program Implementation 

Classroom Guidance


Individual Student Planning


Responsive Services


System Support

School Counselors Collaborate With:

Parents

All Counselors at Wakefield High School:


Why High School Counselors?

High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. Secondary school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional high school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with educational reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership is encouraged as it enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness. 

Philosophy & Mission Statement 

Through the framework of advocacy, leadership, collaboration, and systemic change, the Counseling & Student Services Department of Wakefield High School will foster a learning environment in which each student is empowered to attain interpersonal, academic, artistic, athletic, and career goals. The school counselors will serve in a professional and ethical manner in order to foster an environment which results in a high standard of learning for all students.