Guidance

How and Why do Parents Contact the School Counselor?	What Can a School Counselor do For Your Child?	School Counselors Can Help in Many Situations
Concerns over student achievement Family health problems New school registration and orientation Test interpretation Discussing special needs of their child Early discussion of potential crises Family difficulties or concerns Parents can call the school counselor at any time for a phone conference or to set up a school visit.	Discuss academic concerns and implement a plan towards academic achievement. Help create a safe school environment where children can learn. Help students learn anger management, conflict resolution, social skills, ect. through classroom guidance lessons. Work with students either individually or in a group setting on academic, personal/social, and career related topics. Help in developing students schedule and course of study. Address career interests and provide resources to help develop those interests. Provide support for personal/social issues that may be interfering with student’s ability to learn at their highest potential.	“My parents are getting a divorce. I don’t know what’s going to happen.” I’m new here and I’m having trouble making friends.” “I have a lot of difficulty dealing with my stepchild.” “Fred scores high on standardized tests but hardly makes passing grades in school.” “Karen always tells me she doesn’t have homework, but I found out she isn’t doing it.” “I need some ideas for helping students to get along with each other.” “Bill hasn’t been himself lately. He seems to preoccupied with something.” “I have a bad temper and need to learn how to control it.” “Mary has been absent from school an awful lot this year.” “My dad gets so angry when he’s been drinking.”
How Does a Student See the School Counselor?
Self-referral Request of a counselor Parent referral Administrative referral Teacher or other staff referral Referral by friend(s)

School Counselors help children by . . .

Counselors are the heart of the school by . . .

• Promoting positive attitudes among students toward self, family, peers and community.

• Assisting students in learning how school performance relates to future opportunities.

• Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as health decision making, resolving conflicts and respecting others.

• Working collaboratively with students, parents and teachers to identify and remove barriers to learning.

• Supporting students by teaching skills for achieving success.

• Helping students to recognize and make the best of their abilities.

• Counseling with students individually and in groups

• Providing support during personal crisis.

• Orienting new students.

• Helping create a safe school environment where children can learn.

• Working with students on attendance issues .

• Coordinating referrals to outside agencies.

• Helping design interventions to enhance student success.

• Developing community partnerships to enhance student career awareness.

• Helping teachers create a positive learning environment.

• Helping students learn anger management, conflict resolution, and mediation skills.

• Helping parents, teachers, administrators in learning how to meet the needs of all students.