School guidance counselors are an invaluable resource if you know what to ask of them. They are a school’s go-to people for personal and social dilemmas, academic advising, testing programs, tutors, after-school programs, summer opportunities, and community resources.
The Counselor’s Role
Students are a counselor’s first priority, but most middle and high school counselors carry a caseload of about 500 students. Working with teachers and parents comes next. However, the principal often calls on a counselor to assist in administrative matters and to solve campus problems. “What should we do about this threatening journal entry found in Mr. Strykowski’s English class?” “Have you spoken with John Smith’s court counselor lately?” “One of our teachers suspects that a student is being abused. Will you help with the report to the Department of Social Services?”
Because they have to deal with nonstop cries for help, counselors often have a hard time finding the time to reach out to parents and students who are not in trouble.
Get to Know the Counselor
So, how can you and your child get information and attention from your child’s counselor? Become knowledgeable about the school’s programs and services and develop ongoing communication with the counselor. Here are some pointers for optimizing guidance services for your family.
- Make sure the counselor knows you and your child. Most people do not make the time or have the self-confidence to introduce themselves. Drop the counselor a note at the beginning of the year to let him or her know that your eighth grader is already thinking about college and that you want to stay on top of the dates, tests, and programs that can open doors and expand choices for your child’s future. Encourage your child to make an appointment to meet the counselor before he or she has a problem. The counselor will find it refreshing to speak to a student who is proactive about his or her education, and your child will stand apart from those who clamor for attention at the last minute.
- Gather information about the school’s expectations, programs, services, and calendar at the beginning of the year. Be aware of test dates, grading periods, parent-teacher conference dates, and high school graduation requirements. Go to all school visitations and back-to-school nights. Introduce yourself to teachers and the support staff in the main office and guidance department.
- Intervene promptly. As soon as your child experiences academic problems, have him or her go to the teacher for help. If the issue is not resolved, call the teacher and arrange a conference. If things still do not improve, ask the teacher to include the counselor in a second meeting; call the counselor yourself to ensure that everyone knows the time and place.
- Offer to help. Guidance offices are typically understaffed. Can you assist the counselor from home or at school with nonconfidential tasks? Does the guidance newsletter need editing? Do scholarship applications need filing? Can you answer the phone or recruit other parents to help? Volunteering will help you build a sound relationship with the school counselor.
Counselors as Resources
School counselors are knowledgeable about a wealth of resources and specialists. They can link you to the school psychologist and diagnostic testing if you believe that your child would benefit from extra services and accommodations. These services can range from identifying learning difficulties to finding out whether your child should be accelerated in a subject area. Bear in mind that most school counselors have master’s degrees in education and are not trained therapists. They are, however, usually well connected to people and resources that can help your child and your family.
For a school counselor to be able to help, he or she must know you and your child personally. The more counselors see of your family in positive situations, the more they may consider your child’s educational needs. Stay in touch with the school guidance counselor, and your efforts will be rewarded.
—Elizabeth Feifs, EdD
Elizabeth Feifs is executive director for guidance and counseling for the public schools in Durham, North Carolina. She is a former high school English teacher, school counselor, and school psychologist.
Checklist for the Start of the School Year
- School calendar
- Guidance and school e-mails and Web sites
- School policies
- Graduation requirements
- Parent/PTA newsletters
- Summer opportunities
- Extracurricular activities
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