K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program
VISION
All students will graduate with a realistic plan and the necessary skills to realize that plan.
MISSION
To help all students succeed through academic, career and social/emotional support services
Our program is aligned with the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model and New York State Education Department regulations. School Counseling program services are provided to all students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Whom do School Counselors work with?
At each level school counselors work with all STUDENTS to assist with topics such as:
- Academic planning and support
- Decision making and conflict resolution
- Friendship concerns and issues
- Career and college planning
- Study skills and organization
- Problem solving and coping skills
- Course selection information
- Graduation requirements
- Identifying interests, strengths and learning styles
At each level, school counselors work with FAMILIES to assist with topics such as:
- Accessing community resources
- Facilitating team communication about student needs
- Parent conferences and referral resources
- College application process
- Transition supports entering school
At each level, school counselors work with TEACHERS and ADMINISTRATORS to assist with:
- Academic and behavioral interventions
- Crisis intervention and management
- School-wide programs
- Data analysis to identify student needs
- Student schedule management and coordination
Delivery System:
School Counseling Curriculum: Lessons and activities designed to help students attain the desired competencies and to provide all students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills appropriate for their developmental level.
Lessons and activities will focus on providing students resources and strategies for dealing with our current climate and returning to school after the extended closure due to COVID 19.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Small-group counseling activities
- Large-group presentations
- K-12 classroom instruction
Individual Student Planning: Coordinating school wide activities that help individual students establish personal goals and make future plans. School Counselors monitor all students’ progress and use these activities to help all students plan and manage their own learning.
- Course selection information
- College and career planning
- Academic goals and interventions
- Work based learning opportunities
Responsive Services: Responsive services are designed to meet students’ immediate needs and concerns.
Teachers will be provided resources on how to recognize and respond to a student in crisis. The counseling department will provide teachers with procedures on contacting another adult when a student is in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Individual/ small group counseling
- Personal or family crisis
- Mental Health-risk assessment
- Peer mediation
- Consultation with families and staff
Collaboration: Working with parents, other educators and the community to support student achievement.
- Teaming with parents and staff to identify student needs and strategies to assist students.
- Participation on building level and district wide committees.
- Parent workshops/Informational sessions about student development issues, college application process, financial assistance or academic planning options.
Consultation: Providing strategies to teachers, parents, other educators or community organizations to support student achievement.
- Provide information to families to help support academic or social/emotional growth.
- Sharing resources to support the needs of students.
Referrals: Directing students and parents to services within the school or community for additional support.
- Career and College planning tools
- Behavioral and Mental Health Services
- Academic support options
- Community Agencies
New York State Education Law requires VCSD to develop district-wide and building-level comprehensive developmental school counseling guidance plans and to post these plans on the district website. The 2023-2024 School Counseling Curriculum Calendar is available here.
Advisory Council
The purpose of the advisory council is to provide feedback on program goals, review program results, make recommendations and advocate for the school counseling program. Council members consist of building administrators, parents, teachers, school counselors, school board members, mental health and higher education professionals.
The Advisory Council will meet before the start of school to review the updated counseling plan to specifically address support for students during the district’s re-opening and remote instruction.
High School Counseling Office
Our goal is to assist children and their families throughout high school. Guidance and advisement as to course selection, academic programs, and career planning is offered between ninth and twelfth grades. As students prepare for life after high school, attention is placed on the options of college, employment or military service. The college selection process involves choosing a school that meets the abilities and interests of each student. We can also assist in the financial aid process. For the most recent information we have on testing dates and requirements for 2023-24, click here.
Counseling services address personal crises, peer interactions, and other issues of mental health. Consultation services include assistance in parent/teacher communication and referrals to community resources.
The School Social Worker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is available to students in grades 6-12. This position is dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of students. Assessments, short-term counseling, and crisis intervention may also be provided.
The School Psychologist is an integral part of our team of counseling professionals. She works with students and families who may be experiencing academic, behavioral, social and emotional difficulties and helps generate plans to help students succeed in the academic environment.