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Our mission as School Counselors is to provide a comprehensive School Counseling Program that will assist all students in acquiring the skills, the knowledge, and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, productive workers and lifelong learners.  As advocates, we recognize the uniqueness and personal worth of each child, as well as the cultural diversity of our students in our urban setting.  As an integral part of the мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø’s total program, the School Counseling Program addresses the academic, personal/social and career needs of all students.  The program’s ultimate goal is for students to graduate with the competencies necessary to be able to make self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions and to be successful contributors to society.

Program goals are based on the American School Counselor Association model (ASCA, 2005):  “a school counseling program is comprehensive in scope, preventative in design and developmental in nature… written to reflect a comprehensive approach to program foundation, delivery, management and accountability.”The мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø School Counseling Program acknowledges these goals are based upon current activities and interventions, as well as potential changes in demographics and facilities within the district.  

In the area of мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø, students who are identified to need additional support, can receive assistance and attention. Counselors at the elementary and middle school levels will provide small study skills groups.  Counselors at the middle through high school level may develop individual action plans for students.  The level of student support will be determined by the Child Study Team, Multi-Tiered Systems Support Team or Core Team processes.  The goal is to improve school-wide benchmark assessment scores, increase PSSA scores, decrease retention of students, decrease truancy and increase the graduation rates.In the 2016-17 year, we will continue to identify at risk students based on grades, attendance and behavior.  

In 2017-18, the мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø implemented the Career Pathways Program.  In elementary through high school, students will be exposed to occupations and educational opportunities that can lead to one of the following Career Pathways:  Arts and Communication, Business, Health and Human Services, .  Students will have the opportunity to visit or have school visits from local businesses and industries, the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center, trade schools, two year and four year degree colleges and universities and military representatives.  Students in grades 6 - 12 will utilize the Naviance system and other assessments to encourage and refine their career and post-secondary education exploration and planning.

School Counselors are utilizing the Second Step Curriculum for all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade to address their personal and emotional needs and relationships.  This research based Guidance Curriculum includes a character education and bullying prevention components, as well as some academic and career related elements.  The School Counselors will continue to collaborate with the School-based Outpatient Therapy programs, support Positive Behavior Support and Bullying Prevention programs, facilitate the Student Assistance Program and utilize school and community supports as needed.  The goal is to decrease discipline referrals, bullying reports, suspensions, detentions, alternative education placements and to increase prompt mental health treatment as needed.