Counseling Services
What is a School Counselor?
School counselors are educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. The school counselor collaborates with all members of the school community – teachers, student services, administration, and families – to support the academic achievement and the personal/social development of our students.
School counselors are educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. The school counselor collaborates with all members of the school community – teachers, student services, administration, and families – to support the academic achievement and the personal/social development of our students.
What does a School Counselor do?
A school counseling program consists of education, prevention and intervention services aimed at skill development and the removal of barriers to learning. The counseling program at MES is results based and aligned with the American School Counseling Association’s National Standards, including:
A school counseling program consists of education, prevention and intervention services aimed at skill development and the removal of barriers to learning. The counseling program at MES is results based and aligned with the American School Counseling Association’s National Standards, including:
- Wellness classes – taught once a week for the school year. Topics vary based on grade level and include problem solving and conflict resolution, understanding self and others, stress management, goal setting, decision making, career exploration, and substance abuse education.
- Small group counseling – offered each year, typically based on student needs. Topics include social skills, changing families, emotion management, and bereavement. Groups run once a week for 6-8 weeks.
- Individual counseling – short term, usually 6-8 weeks, goal oriented, based on student needs.
- Responsive services – including individual, family, and school crisis intervention.
- Parent/staff education – services include parenting classes, staff workshops, and a comprehensive lending library.
How do I sign up my child for individual/small group counseling?
Referrals can be made by a parent or the classroom teacher. Students can also self-refer. Referrals may also occur through the Educational Support Team (EST) or Student Support Team (SST). Parent referrals can be made by phone, email, or in person. Parent consent is required before a student receives extended individual or small group counseling. Counseling services are available to all students and their families.
Referrals can be made by a parent or the classroom teacher. Students can also self-refer. Referrals may also occur through the Educational Support Team (EST) or Student Support Team (SST). Parent referrals can be made by phone, email, or in person. Parent consent is required before a student receives extended individual or small group counseling. Counseling services are available to all students and their families.