Counseling services at Shaker Heights High School are designed to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of students at each grade level. The counselor acts as a resource person, a coordinator between teachers, parents and students, and as an advisor to the student. Each student is assigned to a counselor upon entering the High School and usually remains with that counselor until graduation, allowing them to establish a working relationship. The counselors seek to understand the expectations and concerns of both students and parents and work together closely to make the High School experience a rich and rewarding one for each student.
What is a school counselor?
• A certified, specially trained, caring person
• A school person who helps all
• A resource person
• A coordinator
• A consultant
• A group leader
• A person who helps teachers, adults, and parents understand students
How does a student see the counselor?
• Appointment made by counselor
• Self-referral
• Administrative referral
• Teacher or other staff referral
• Referral by friend
• Walk in
What does a counselor do?
• Talks with students individually and in groups
• Helps to identify the needs of students
• Works with potential dropouts
• Helps students relate to others
• Promotes positive attitudes and values among students
• Aids teachers and parents in helping students
• Helps people make better use of community resources
• Uses tests to provide information about abilities, achievement, interests and needs
• Assists students with the process of growing up
• Coordinates efforts with other school specialists
• Makes presentations at parent meetings
• Helps with school, college, job, career and personal plans
• Participates in curriculum development
• Hosts college admissions representatives
• Visits college campuses to obtain firsthand information
• Responds to parent telephone calls
• Writes recommendations for students
With whom does a school counselor consult?
• Teachers
• Parents
• Administrators
• Pupil personnel workers
• Community resource personnel
• Physicians, psychologists and mental health professionals
• Prospective employers