Rules/Procedures
TRUE or FALSE: A student decides when they will meet with a counselor (ex: I am going to tell my counselor to pull me from my math class).
FALSE: Counselors will work with your teacher to find the best time to meet with you. Depending on the situation, some needs may need to be addressed before yours.
TRUE or FALSE: I'm worried about a friend, I can speak to a counselor about this.
TRUE.
TRUE or FALSE: A counselor only cares about your grades/credits.
FALSE. While getting good grades and earning credit for your classes is important, there are so many factors that impact one's ability to do these things. School counselors care about your social, emotional, AND academic needs.
Who are your counselors?
Ms. Terri, Ms. Hillary, Ms. Taryn
TRUE or FALSE: If an issue happens out at recess, I should wait to speak to a counselor about it.
FALSE. If any issue happens on the playground, it's best to let the nearest adult know so they can help you right when it happens.
What's an example of a problem that is bothering you, but can wait to be talked about?
*We will accept multiple answers!*
TRUE or FALSE: I'm having some trouble at home, I can talk to the counselor about this.
TRUE.
TRUE or FALSE: A counselor can get you out of trouble when you misbehaved in class.
FALSE- Counselors support students by helping them take responsibility when it's necessary and holding them accountable when they've done something wrong.
What days of the week are the counselors available?
Monday through Friday during the school day!
Is the counselor's office a good place to resolve conflict with my peers?
YES. We are always here to help you problem solve, but we will be mindful of the time you are out of class.
I want to speak with a counselor, how do I let them know?
Complete the "Request to see the counselor/ssp" form on your computers or you can let them know in person if it's an emergency.
What is a HEALTHY way to express your anger?
*We will accept multiple answers!*
TRUE or FALSE: Earning a bad grade on an assignment means you're not smart.
FALSE. There are several factors that help or hurt the chances of students being successful. School is also difficult sometimes and struggling/failing is apart of the growth process.
Who do the counselors work with?
Everyone! (students, parents, admin, school staff, community members).
*DAILY DOUBLE* TRUE or FALSE: Counselors are there to help discipline students. (For double the points- name a situation where a counselor may be pulled in if a student got in trouble).
FALSE. Counselors do not discipline students. However, we may be included in the discipline process if it is determined that there's a mental health need that may have caused the behavior. Counselors are also there to hold you accountable. We will not discipline you, but we will help you determine alternative ways to act in future.
What is the best way to inform the counselor if there's an emergency?
While you can indicate that something is an emergency on the counselor forms, the best way to inform the counselor of an emergency is in person and right away!
What is a coping skill?
*We will accept many answers, but ultimately, a coping skill is something we do to calm down our mind and bodies when we're upset.*
TRUE or FALSE: Counselors are in charge of making changes to your schedule.
FALSE! Mrs. Grennan is the person to speak with regarding your schedule!
Where are the counselors' offices?
Ms. Terri/Ms. Hillary, downstairs next to Ms. Verner.
Ms. Taryn, upstairs next to Ms. Porter or across from history.
TRUE or FALSE: Counselors can solve your problems for you.
FALSE. While counselors cannot solve your problems for you, we can definitely give you guidance on how to become your own problem solver.
*DAILY DOUBLE*: What does confidentiality mean? Name an exception to this rule for double the points!
Confidentiality means that something stays between you and the counselor, that the information shared is private.
BONUS: An exception to the confidentiality rule is: you want to hurt yourself, someone wants to hurt you, you want to hurt someone else, or you give me permission to share the information. If there is a situation where someone is in danger, we are required by law to communicate with the appropriate persons/agencies in order to keep you safe.
What's the difference between tattling and reporting?
Tattling is when you tell an adult something when trying to get someone else in trouble. Reporting is when there's a serious issue and the behavior needs to be addressed immediately.
*DAILY DOUBLE* What kind of degree(s) can be earned after high school? (For double the points- name THREE degree types)
What degree or degrees does a person need to be a counselor?
Bachelor's AND Master's.
What does it mean to ADVOCATE for yourself?
Speaking up for your needs, letting an adult know when your efforts to get others to stop has been unsuccessful and you are needing more help.