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Why We Have School Counselors and SACs
Why We Have School Counselors and SACs
At EIS, we believe that supporting the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, is essential for student success. As students face new challenges in adolescence, having trusted, trained professionals in the building makes a meaningful difference.
Together, school counselors and SACs work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of all students and promote overall well-being. Students may self-refer or be referred by teachers, parents, administrators, or the Child Study Team.
The Role of the School Counselor
School counselors are certified mental health professionals who support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. As a daily presence in the school, they are often the first point of contact for students and families seeking help, guidance, or connection.
Counselors provide individual support for common challenges such as peer conflict, academic stress, and school adjustment. They also lead classroom lessons and our Advisory program, covering key topics like bullying prevention (HIB law), peer relationships, and emotional wellness.
In collaboration with teachers, families, and outside professionals, school counselors help create a coordinated support system for each student. They also manage 504 Plans and the I&RS process.
School counselors are essential in fostering student confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging throughout the school year. They are not just a resource, but a foundational part of every student’s success.
The Role of the School Counselor
School counselors are certified mental health professionals who support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. As a daily presence in the school, they are often the first point of contact for students and families seeking help, guidance, or connection.
Counselors provide individual support for common challenges such as peer conflict, academic stress, and school adjustment. They also lead classroom lessons and our Advisory program, covering key topics like bullying prevention (HIB law), peer relationships, and emotional wellness.
In collaboration with teachers, families, and outside professionals, school counselors help create a coordinated support system for each student. They also manage 504 Plans and the I&RS process.
School counselors are essential in fostering student confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging throughout the school year. They are not just a resource, but a foundational part of every student’s success.
The Role of the Student Assistance Counselor Student Assistance Counselors (SACs) are certified specialists who provide targeted support for students facing more complex emotional, behavioral, or substance-related concerns. Building on the work of school counselors, SACs focus on prevention, early intervention, and student wellness through regularly scheduled counseling sessions.
SACs offer confidential, individualized counseling and group sessions, creating safe spaces for students to explore concerns and learn from shared experiences. They are often the key point of contact for students whose needs go beyond the typical scope of school-based support.
SACs also lead school-wide prevention and education programs on topics such as respect, healthy friendships, and mental health.
They work closely with families, staff, and community agencies to connect students with the support they need. SACs ensure students have access to the next level of care, helping them not only succeed in school, but thrive beyond it.
The Role of the Student Assistance Counselor Student Assistance Counselors (SACs) are certified specialists who provide targeted support for students facing more complex emotional, behavioral, or substance-related concerns. Building on the work of school counselors, SACs focus on prevention, early intervention, and student wellness through regularly scheduled counseling sessions.
SACs offer confidential, individualized counseling and group sessions, creating safe spaces for students to explore concerns and learn from shared experiences. They are often the key point of contact for students whose needs go beyond the typical scope of school-based support.
SACs also lead school-wide prevention and education programs on topics such as respect, healthy friendships, and mental health.
They work closely with families, staff, and community agencies to connect students with the support they need. SACs ensure students have access to the next level of care, helping them not only succeed in school, but thrive beyond it.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a core component of both the school counseling and SAC roles. Many students hesitate to open up about personal concerns out of fear and/or worrying that others may judge them, or that sharing might affect their grades, relationships, or school status.
To support open, trusting relationships, federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2) protect students when receiving support from School Counselors or SACs. These protections ensure students can speak honestly and receive the help they need without fear of unnecessary disclosure.
Our School Counselors and SACs are trained to:
-Understand and uphold confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines
-Communicate clearly with students and families about the limits of confidentiality (e.g., safety concerns)
-Create safe, judgment-free spaces for students to seek help
-Develop plans and, when appropriate, connect families with trusted outside resources
Rest assured, if we ever need to reach out to families to provide the best support for a student, we do so thoughtfully and with respect by always keeping the student’s trust and privacy at the heart of our communication. In every step, students can feel confident that they will be heard, valued, and supported with their best interests in mind.
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