Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What exactly does a school counselor do?
- Can I just drop in to see my child's counselor?
- Can I set up an appointment with my child's team thru the counselor?
- Can my child change electives after the first 2 weeks of school?
- What if my student wants to be an office or teacher aide?
- How are students selected for groups?
- Why are some classes larger than others?
- How does my child get tested for TAG?
- I think my child has a disability? How do they get services?
What exactly does a school counselor do?
We assist students with academic advising and planning, facilitate
counseling groups, and conduct guidance lessons thru your students regular
classes. We also meet with teachers and parents to help plan appropriate
interventions and strategies for struggling students.
Can I just drop in to see my child's counselor?
Due to our variable schedule, it is best to call to set up an appointment.
If we are in a group, classroom or helping a child in crisis, we will not be
available for walk-ins.
Can I set up an appointment with my child's team thru the counselor?
No, as we do not have access to the team's calendar, we are not able to set
these appointments for you. Please contact the teamleaders directly.
Can my child change electives after the first 2 weeks of school?
This is rarely approved due to the fact that our electives are yearlong
classes (with the exception of the HS credit health elective pairing). We do
not wish to set up students for failure due to having missed crucial
instruction.
What if my student wants to be an office or teacher aide?
There will be an application/interview process for these limited positions.
Students must maintain good grades and have leadership skills as they
represent our campus.
How are students selected for groups?
At the start of the year, students fill out a survey and may indicate a
desire to participate. Teachers or parents may also recommend. Please check
our groups sections for information on when we are screening for new groups.
Why are some classes larger than others?
Master scheduling is like a huge puzzle. It is built based on what students
request on their choice sheets and staff are allocated accordingly.
Electives and team planning times really drive the schedule creating some
periods of smaller core classes and some with larger numbers due to fewer
electives at that time.
How does my child get tested for TAG?
Each year in late fall (typically mid-November to early December) students
may be nominated for the TAG program by a parent, teacher or by the student.
Testing is done in January and results of the selection committee arrive to
parents in May. Once parent permission is obtained, the student would start
TAG services at the beginning of the school year.
I think my child has a disability? How do they get services?
All districts follow a Response to Intervention process. A team meeting is
held and an action plan is developed to provide intervention in the general
education setting. Followup meetings and different interventions are
implemented as needed with a possible result of referral for 504 or special
education evaluation in the rare cases where a student needs highly
specialized instuction or the curriculum needs to be altered significantly.