Mission

The McGee comprehensive school counseling program is designed to address student needs by promoting growth in academic achievement, personal/social adjustment and career awareness in our global community.  School counselors advocate for all students to give each individual the opportunity to reach their academic potential and be positive members of the school community.

 

What is a School Counselor?

School counselors have a minimum Master’s level certification. They are trained and caring professionals who works with all students, parents, teachers, staff and the community, in order for every student to achieve academic and social success. School counseling services are delivered in four specific ways:

• Responsive Services – Meeting immediate student needs (counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, peer mediation, information-providing)
• Classroom Counseling Curriculum – Designing, structuring, and delivering classroom lessons so that students develop specific outcome-driven competencies in all grades (personal/social, academic, career)and driven by the needs of the school population
• Individual Student Planning – Assisting students with goal setting (behavioral, academic, etc.)
• System Support – School-wide program planning and implementation (such as Advisory), consulting with other professionals, coordination of various supports for students and families

 

How does your child experience school counseling services?

• Individual Counseling – School counselors work with students in a safe, positive, and confidential setting to address issues that may pose as an obstacle for school achievement. Topics are based on the needs of the student and may include: understanding feelings, changing families, grief, stress, social skills, academics, bullying, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Small Group Counseling – A process where students sharing similar issues or concerns work together in a small group environment consisting of about 3-6 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management.
• Classroom Counseling Lessons – School counselors develop and implement classroom curriculum driven by national and state school counseling standards.  Classroom lessons are regularly scheduled and address personal, social, academic, and career-related needs at the child’s developmental level.  Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure.