FAQs about School Counseling Services

Why do kids need school counseling?

  • Children learn best when they feel good about themselves and their relationships with others
  • Children who understand their feelings are better able to control their behavior
  • Children are capable of making responsible choices
  • Schools, parents, and communities that collaborate provide the most effective support to children
  • Attitudes formed during elementary/middle school shape future attitudes towards learning, self, and society.

 

What does a middle school counselor do?

Similar to our school nurse, my services are available to ALL students – not just students who are struggling emotionally, academically, or are in crisis. It is my job to make sure that students are happy and doing their best in school. Some areas I focus on are helping students stay focused and organized, their relationships with their friends, teachers, and family, helping students manage their feelings and impulses, and their lives outside of school. I address these issues using individual or small group counseling, as well as doing classroom lessons on a multitude of social emotional topics. I’m also a facilitator on the 504, I&RS, & School Safety and Climate committees.

 

How do students see the counselor?

All students are welcomed in my office at any time. Students can also reach out to me via google chat or email to schedule a meeting with me. Parents and teachers can also request for a student to meet with me. Students are welcomed to come in for emotional, mental, & academic support; however, I love to building healthy relationships with all my students. I welcome students in office even if it is just to say hello or share some exciting news.

 

Will you be notified if I see your child?

I will notify parent’s depending on the seriousness of the concern. If a student is stopping in my office just to say hello or get some friendship advice – I may not notify you. However, if there is a safety concern or if your child is repeatedly coming to see me, you will be notified. At the beginning of the school year, all students are told the rules and regulations of the counseling office. Students are aware that the only time I will break confidentiality is if: 1. Someone is hurting them, 2.  They want to hurt someone else, and 3. They want to hurt themselves. Please understand that I do not always call home if a student shares something with me because I do want to keep their trust. If it is concerning, I will always keep parents in the loop.