School counseling services are delivered in four ways: (1) Classroom Core Curriculum Lessons (delivered to all students & based in the areas of personal/social, academic and career development), (2) Individual Student Planning (one-on-one assistance with goal formation/planning), (3) Responsive Services (brief counseling, crisis intervention, problem-solving, peer mediation) * If a student needs mental health counseling, we will refer the family to community counseling resources. (4) System Support (school-wide programming, consultation with school & community professionals, and support for students and their families).

Individual Counseling
Individual counseling sessions with students are initiated by referral from teachers, parents, administrators or peers. Students also self-refer.

Students obtain a pass from their teacher to come to the counselor’s office. Counselors have an open-door policy. However, if a counselor is not in the office, students may complete a Note to the Counselor form and leave it under the door. The counselor will schedule a time for the counseling session.

Sessions may include expressing feelings, problem-solving, designing plans of action, and academic counseling. Follow-up is done as needed.

Small Group Counseling
Counselors organize and lead small group counseling sessions based on building resilience and providing support for students experiencing similar problems.

Students can be recommended for small group counseling by administrators, teachers, parents, and through self-referrals. Small group counseling sessions will be conducted for four to six sessions based on student needs and schedules. The small groups for counseling will consist of 4 to 6 students.

Classroom Core Curriculum Lessons (formerly Classroom Guidance)

The following topics may be presented to each grade level through classroom lessons (delivered through Social Studies classes):

• Counselor Introduction
• Getting Along with Others / Bullying / Sexual Harassment
• Career Awareness / Exploration & Soft Skills
• High School 101 – Getting ready for high school (visit from BHS Peer Leaders)
• Other topics as needed or requested by teachers

Counseling Crisis Situations
When a crisis occurs that impacts students or staff, counselors will provide classroom support or individual counseling.

Follow-up sessions will be done, if necessary, and counselors will meet privately with individual students as needed.

School Wide Programs

• Advisement - Social-Emotional Lessons
• No Place for Hate
• Care Team (Support for students/families in need) - Request Support Here