Meet YOUR Counselor
Who is the school counselor?
Ms. Harps
These are people that the School Counselor works with.
Students
Parents
Teachers
Principals
Outside agencies
What if your school counselor isn't available or is out of the building, who do you go to?
Ms. Linh, PEAK
Secretaries
Principal
Teachers
It is okay to come down with a friend.
True, but it depends! 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. PEAK, suspensions, etc.)?
No, I do not send people to PEAK or give out suspensions. I try to help BEFORE you would need to do one of those things.
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 Principal or teacher, or out of the building.
I will always come 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 the Call the Counselor card and give it to your teacher. I will see you as soon as I can.
Who is your counselor's child?
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 school counselor 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 do you not see your school counselor for?
Send you to PEAK
Chromebook help
Tutoring for Reading
Teach Art
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 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 other jobs does your counselor have at the school?
Coordinator of parent meetings
Greet students at the beginning and the end of the day
Recess Duty
Where can you find your school counselor?
Everywhere!! I am always throughout the school. My office for adults is in the staff workroom. I normally meet with students in the Cub Den.
Who can I report something concerning to?
Any school staff member! Teachers, principal, counselor, lunch staff, secretaries. We are all here to help!
If you go to PEAK, you may have to meet with the school counselor.
True! You're not in trouble with me! I just want to make sure you feel supported. :)