Meet YOUR Counselor
Who is the school counselor?
Mrs. Kennedy
What type of concerns can I help you with?
•Academic
•Social/Emotional
•College and Career Readiness/Post-secondary planning
What if your school counselor isn't available, who do you go to?
Secretaries
Principal
Teachers
Nurse
It is okay to come down with a friend.
True! I LOVE supportive friends that get you to the right people. Once I know what's going on, at that point, I may ask your supportive friend to go back to class so they're not missing too much class time.
Does your school counselor provide therapy?
No. Your school counselor is not a therapist. I can see you for short-term purposes but for longer-term care, I can refer you to a therapist.
Do counselors give out discipline (i.e. detentions, suspensions, etc.)?
No, I do not assign detentions or suspensions.
When is your counselor available?
I always try to be available but I might be in a classroom teaching a lesson, in a parent meeting, meeting with another student, meeting with the Principal or teacher, or out of the building.
I will always see you as soon as I can!
If I need to talk, I can just leave class.
False! Be sure to ask your teacher! If it's an emergency, let them know it's an emergency when you are asking for permission to leave. If it is not an emergency, fill out a Counselor Request. I will see you as soon as I can.
What floor is my office on?
1st floor
These are people that the School Counselor works with.
Students
Parents
Teachers
Principals
Outside agencies
What is Confidentiality?
It means that your counselor will not tell other people about your talks unless:
You are being hurt
You might hurt someone else
You might hurt yourself
You give them permission
If I don't like a class or teacher, I can go to the counseling office and have it changed.
False. I can meet with you to problem-solve how to make it better or help arrange a meeting with the teacher where the 3 of us can problem-solve.
What is my office number?
114
How can you see your school counselor?
•Fill out a request or email me
•Talk to your teacher
•Talk to your parent
•Visit the counseling office
If I need to report something, what can I do?
Fill out the Bullying/Threat Reporting Form found on the School Website.
During school, you can go to the main office or the school counselor's office.
Outside of school hours, you can tell your parents and we can meet together.
You can only see a counselor if you have a BIG problem.
False! I can handle little problems too! It's better that we address it when it's small before it becomes a BIG problem. :)
What do you not see your school counselor for?
Grade Changes
A detention
Technology help
Locker jam
Answers to a test
What other jobs does your counselor have at the school?
Test Coordinator
Yearbook Advisor
McKinney Vento Liasson
Who can I report something concerning to?
Any school staff member! Teachers, principal, counselor, lunch staff, secretaries, nurse, superintendent. We are all here to help!
If you get suspended, you may have to meet with the school counselor when you return to school.
True! You're not in trouble with me! I just want to make sure you feel supported in the transition back to school and know that you have people to help you not get to the place that led to your suspension. :)