ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR DEPARTMENT

WHAT IS SCHOOL COUNSELING?
School counseling is developmental in design. That is, it focuses on the needs, interests, and issues related to the various stages of student growth. There are objectives, activities and special services, with an emphasis on helping students to learn more effectively and efficiently. There is a commitment to individual uniqueness and the maximum development of human potential.

WHAT DOES A SCHOOL COUNSELOR DO?
The school counselor is a certified professional educator who helps students to develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths, and to become responsible and productive citizens. The primary focus is always on problem solving, decision-making, and discovering personal meaning, as it relates to learning and confidential relationships with their students. School counselors are human behavior and relationship specialists who provide counseling, consultation, and coordination services to students, teachers, parents, and administrators.

WHERE CAN THE STUDENT SEE THE COUNSELOR?
In just about any appropriate place, including the counselor's office, classroom, hallway, lunchroom, and outside school.

HOW DOES A STUDENT GET TO SEE THE COUNSELOR?
A student should fill a "request to see a counselor" form located in each classroom and drop off the completed form in the guidance office or give it to a counselor in the cafeteria during lunch. This is the best way because then the counselor can send for the student and dedicate a block of time to be with that student.  In an emergency a student can ask a teacher for a pass.

HOW DOES A SCHOOL COUNSELOR BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE OF CURRENT TRENDS IN GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING?
- In-service training sessions
~ Workshops and seminars
- Conventions and conferences
~ Regular inter-school counselor meetings
- County, state, and national counselor association meetings

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR?
- Graduate level study in guidance and counseling in an approved guidance and
counseling program.
- State of Florida certification in guidance and counsellng.

WE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR GUIDANCE OFFICE AND ACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH OUR COUNSELING STAFF AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE!