Meet YOUR Counselor
Who is the school counselor?
Mrs. S
Who do you go to if you need to change your class schedule?
Your School Counselor!
What if your school counselor isn't available, who do you go to?
Secretaries
Principal
Teachers
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 the school therapist. I can see you for short-term purposes but our school therapist and he can see you for longer-term care.
Do counselors give out discipline (i.e. detentions, suspensions, etc.)?
No, I do not assign detentions or suspensions.
When is your counselor available?
During School Hours: Monday-Friday
You can drop in before school from 7:30-8:00 a.m. or after school from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
You can also make an appointment to be seen on the clipboard outside my office.
You can also send me an e mail. ksinke@manistee.org
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.
Who are your counselor's children?
M, C & J
What can your school counselor help you with?
Academic Needs
Personal Needs
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-ish. There needs to be a legitimate reason to change your class. In some cases, your class cannot be changed at all.
What do you not see your school counselor for?
Grade Changes
A detention
Technology help
Locker jam
Answers to a test
How can you see your school counselor?
If I need to report something, what can I do?
During school, you can go to the main office or the guidance office.
Outside of school hours, you can send an e-mail to the principal or your counselor. We are working on an anonymous reporting app.
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 other jobs does your counselor have at the school?
Track and Field Assistant Coach
High School Student Council Advisor
Test Coordinator
Where can you find your school counselor?
In the office in the MS/HS hallway near the middle school gym.
Who can I report something concerning to?
Any school staff member! Teachers, principal, counselor, lunch staff, secretaries, 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. :)