Southern Local Elementary
SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Mission Statement
The mission of the Southern Elementary School Counseling Department is to assist the Southern Local School District in its continuous improvement efforts to provide a safe and inclusive environment in which ALL students are encouraged to embrace their full potential to reach their personal and academic goals to succeed. The school counseling department will advocate, collaborate, and facilitate individual and systemic change to ensure that EVERY student has the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success, career readiness, and personal growth.
Why Elementary School Counselors?
"The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment.
By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/emotional skills in response to issues they face. Elementary school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness."
-American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Southern Local
Comprehensive School Counseling Program
2018 - 2019
COMING SOON.
Please check back in the future for updates.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Southern Elementary School Counseling Program is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and social/emotional needs of all students. Through advocacy, leadership, and collaboration, school counselors are professional student advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with our stakeholders, the counseling program will facilitate and coordinate a multi-tiered support system to ensure that all students are prepared and have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to become globally competitive, lifelong learners.
Belief Statements
The counselor at Southern Elementary believes:
All students are able to learn when given the proper resources and support.
All students should have access to a qualified full- time counselor to deliver the program.
All student are considered when planning and implementing activities regardless of race, sexual identity, gender identity, socioecomonic class, and disability.
All student should have equitable access to the school counseling program.
The school counseling program should:
Be student centered: students are our primary clients.
Enhance student learning through effective program management.
Collaborate with community support, parents, and other educators to ensure all student needs are being properly met.
Use data to make decisions about program implementation.
Be proactive when addressing the needs of students and parents.
Implement technology and actively engage students.
All counselors in Southern Local School District:
Will partake in professional development activities to promote student achievement and stay abreast to the counseling profession.
Be present and available to all student when possible.
Able to create a positive school environment which promotes diversity and student learning.
Abide by legal and ethical guidelines and standards developed by the American School Counselor Association.
Effectively communicate and collaborate with community support leaders, parents, students and other educators to utilize best practices to increase student achievement.