List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• How do students report if someone isn’t doing well?

  Students and adults can use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). Students in Grades 5–12 will be taught the SS-ARS curriculum, a program that explains how to recognize the warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves and/or others. SS-ARS serves as an additional resource that can be used to prevent and intervene when someone’s health or safety is at risk. Students can anonymously report issues through the Say Something App, on the Say Something website, or by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW.

• What about confidentiality?

  Students have a right to privacy and confidentiality. The counseling relationship requires an atmosphere of trust between the student and the counselor. In the Middle and Upper Schools, all information discussed during counseling sessions will be kept in confidence, except in circumstances when student safety may be at risk or when the student gives permission to share information. For more information regarding specific limits of confidentiality, please contact the school counselors directly.

• How do the school counselors interact with students?

  The school counselors are fully integrated into the natural flow of the school day. They meet with students individually and in small groups to discuss topics that are of interest to the students. These topics may include friendship and social issues, coping with loss/grief, family transitions, managing stress, study skills, decision-making, goal-setting, problem-solving, etc. The school counselors are also involved in classroom guidance lessons, which transpire through various programs, depending on the grade level.

• What can I expect when you meet with my child?

  Our goal in meeting with students is to first establish a positive rapport in a safe environment. We want to get to know them and find out how we can best help them. Individual counseling can be used for one-time or ongoing issues (e.g. bullying, peer interaction issues, problems at school, stress, a challenging situation at home, etc.). Our role is not to provide therapy but rather to help students identify the problem as well as brainstorm ways to resolve it. School counselors can also provide resources for students and families who may need additional support. Parents and teachers may refer students for individual counseling, but sometimes students might seek out a meeting on their own. The confidentiality of these meetings is addressed above.

• What if I disagree with what the school counselor says to my child or their suggested recommendations?

  That is okay. The school counselors provide options and guidance that are based on their prior experience and knowledge. Everyone approaches life differently and therefore, the school counselors may have opinions that differ from your family’s philosophy. The school counselors will happily work with each family to help them find solutions that are best for their child. If you have any questions or concerns about what was discussed in the meeting with your child, please contact the school counselors directly.

• Will these meetings take away from instructional time in my child’s classes?

  No. Unless there is an urgent counseling situation that requires immediate attention, we do not meet with students during academic classes. Middle School students can meet with the school counselor during study hall, lunch or milk break, while Lower School students meet with the school counselor during a scheduled time that is determined by their teacher. Upper School students may visit the school counselor during their free periods, lunch, before or after school.

• I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with my son/daughter visiting with the school counselor. How will I know if he/she is meeting with the school counselor?

  The school counselors believe in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child and therefore, we take our partnership with families seriously. While we encourage students to share when they’ve met with the school counselor, we don’t always involve families unless the student is comfortable with it because it’s necessary to respect the confines of the counseling relationship. However, if a student is in danger of being harmed or harming himself or others, the school counselors are legally and ethically obligated to share this information with the appropriate authorities.

• How does one make an appointment?

  Parents, guardians and faculty can make referrals for students at any time via phone or email. Lower School students can let their parents, guardians or teachers know that they would like to set up a meeting. Middle School students can fill out a guidance request form, located in the Middle School office. Upper School students may walk into the office or email a counselor to schedule an appointment.

• Do school counselors have professional standards or guidelines to follow?

  Yes. A professional school counselor provides a school counseling program based on the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model, which is comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, and developmental in nature. More information on ASCA’s National Model can be found at www.schoolcounselor.org. School counseling programs include academic, career and personal/social domains. School counselors specialize in brief and solution-focused counseling.