...any kindness that I can show.. let me do it now... for I shall not pass this way again... author unknown Together with families and community, my mission is to support a student-centered comprehensive learning environment fostering personal and academic excellence. Guidance & Counseling Guidelines At times, the counselor will present developmental guidance lessons in the classroom. The teacher may or may not be directly involved, depending upon the activity. It is expected that information covered within guidance classes would be valuable to teachers and offer insights and strategies for working with children and reinforcing social skills. What kinds of counseling services are provided? Usually the counseling is for individual students. Sometimes more than one student will be involved. Occasionally parents will come in to see the counselor, and may or may not want to include their child. Sometimes a staff member will request to meet with the counselor along with a specific student. Who can refer a student for counseling? Counseling services for a student are generated from the counselor, an administrator, a staff member, a parent, or the student. What are some common reasons for referrals? Students are referred for counseling because of concerns about: emotional problems, behavior, relationship problems, class disruption, personal problems, suspicion of drug or alcohol use, or other issues that interfere with academic achievement. What about emergencies? A student should be sent immediately to the counselor if there are concerns that the student may have been harmed, may be in danger, or may be suicidal. How often are students seen? The counselor and the student will assess the need for counseling, and the duration. One session is often enough. Some students will receive counseling on a regular basis, throughout the school year. This is not therapy, however. If the school counselor believes a child may benefit from ongoing psychotherapy, she will discuss this with the parents. How should referrals be made? A staff referral can be made to the counselor verbally, or in writing. The form is available on the Vineline and once completed, can be dropped off in the box outside the counselor’s office. If a staff member thinks the student must be seen immediately the counselor should be called first to be sure she is in her office, so the student does not wait unattended. If the counselor is not in her office and there is an emergency, the office secretary will find the counselor. Students can also complete a “Request to see the Counselor” form and drop it off in the box outside the counselor’s office. When will the student be seen? The counselor will attempt to see a student within a day of the referral. Counseling sessions will be arranged at times that are convenient for both the student and the classroom teacher. Every effort will be made to see students at times that do not interfere with their academic schedules. When no time is available in a student’s schedule, the counselor will try to arrange to see the student at a time that does not interfere with direct instruction—during a study time, for instance. Occasionally the counselor will ask to speak to a student for a moment, outside the classroom. The counselor may take the child out of class if directed by an administrator, or if there is an emergency.
