What Do Counselors Do?
Our responsibility is to advocate for students and make sure we are doing what is best for them. We constantly meet with students, parents, teachers and administration to collaborate and help students be successful. We do this in a variety of ways:
1. Every Student
a. We love the variety and differences among all students and want everyone to be successful.
b. Programs in place for student success include: Study Skills classes, Math Labs, Read 180, Summer Boot Camp, Base Camp and Chemistry Tutors. We also have an embedded therapist to help with mental health needs.
2. Data
a. We use data to drive programs and measure program effectiveness.
b. We meet with parents, teachers and administration to address concerns and find the best possible solutions for students.
3. Career and College Readiness
a. We have group CCR (Career and College Readiness) meetings with sophomores, juniors and seniors. We have optional individual CCR appointments with our freshman, sophomores and seniors. Each junior student will have a required CCR appointment with their counselor.
b. We discuss career options and help plan for graduation.
c. We discuss college and post-high school education opportunities.
d. We discuss financial aid and scholarships.
4. Guidance Curriculum
a. Group CCRs in the classroom.
b. Paying for college presentation in Financial Lit Classrooms
c. Parent University
d. Educational Careers in the Introduction to Education class.
5. Responsive Services
a. We meet with students, parents, teachers and the administration to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. We are available to address concerns each day in a timely manner.
b. Some concerns include: personal issues, friends, suicidal thoughts, bullying, family crisis, grief and loss, transition and concerns with classes or teachers.
c. We partner with different agencies and schools to help find small groups for our students needs.
d. We have a licensed embedded therapist that is here at the school.
e. We have a Local Case Management Team that meets weekly to discuss the critical needs of students.
We believe all students have the opportunity to learn and be successful in the school setting. At DHS, we have a Pyramid of Intervention that is used school wide to ensure the success of every student.
