Counselor's Philosophy
All students have the right to participate and receive services from the guidance and counseling program. This program addresses age-appropriate academic, career, and personal/social needs of the student.
The guidance and counseling program is based on the tenets of unconditional positive regard and strength based approaches. This means that the counselor believes that all students have abilities, regardless of current struggles. Success comes from building on those strengths.
Confidentiality
In working with students, trust is a vital part of developing a relationship. Students must feel like they can be open and honest with the counselor when they come for help. With this in mind, the school counselor follows the State Guidelines and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) ethical guidelines for confidentiality.
The few exceptions to maintaining the confidentiality of students are due to the fact that school counselors are mandated reporters for abuse and neglect. This means that counselors are legally required to report if a student is being hurt or threatened to be hurt, is hurting themselves or others, or is threatening to hurt themselves or others.
At other times, the counselor may feel that sharing information with teachers would be beneficial to the student's school life. In this case, the counselor will discuss this with the student prior to talking with individual teachers.
Social/EmotionalMiddle School is a time of great change and adjustment for students. Many students struggle with social situations, peer relationships, managing more responsibility as they get older, etc. The counseling department helps to guide students through this process of change.
Some of the services provided by the school counselor include:
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Career CounselingThe Guidance and Counseling Department works with student to help develop their future career interests. At the beginning of the academic year Counselors work with 8th grade students in taking career assessment tests. Towards the end of the year counselors are required to hold IGP (Individual Graduation Plan) meetings with each 8th grade student and their parent/guardian. These meetings will discuss high school, future careers and college options.
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