Counseling Philosophy
In the Kings Junior High Counseling Department, we strive to support each and every student as they navigate Junior High. We support all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development and career development. It is our hope that we can provide these services to help ensure that each student can not only survive, but thrive in today's world. We work to create a comprehensive school counseling program that focuses on student outcomes, teaches student competencies and is delivered with identified professional goals in mind.
Visiting the School Counselor
Why should I see the School Counselor?
- I'm new at KJH
- I'm having a conflict with a friend
- I'm having a bad day and I need a break
- I'm feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or worried
- I'm having trouble with my family or teachers
- I'm dealing with a tough situation and I need someone to talk to that I can trust. I can't talk to my friends or my parents about it.
- I have questions about scheduling
- I'm having trouble with my classes
- I'm struggling with homework or tests
- I need help with organization
- I'm having trouble making a decision about something and I need to talk it over
Students and parents are encouraged to reach out to school counselors with any areas of concern. Parents are welcome to contact their child's counselor to request support for academic growth, career planning, and personal or social development.
If students need to see the counselor, they should:
If students need to see the counselor, they should:
- Go to the Guidance office and ask to meet with Mrs. Apple or Mrs. Hackman. Knock on the door, or walk in if the door is open!
- If your counselor is not available, leave a note or write your name on their door so that they can come find you later. You can also ask your teacher to send an email to your counselor.
- If it's an emergency (you or someone else is in danger, you don't feel safe at home etc.), go to the front office and ask one of our secretaries to find your counselor.
- You can also see one of the administrators or a teacher if you need immediate help with something.
What to Expect when Meeting with the School Counselor
School counselors at KJH provide individual counseling and group counseling. Counselors also collaborate with students, teachers, parents, administrators and community agencies.
Referrals for school counseling are accepted from students, parents, school staff and community agencies like Solutions. The length of individual counseling sessions varies based on student need, however sessions generally do not exceed 30 minutes. School counseling is brief and solution-focused. Students requiring long-term counseling will be referred to outside agencies.
Information shared with school counselors is treated with respect. Generally, information shared in the counseling office will not be shared with anyone else. There are a few exceptions to this that are required by law. Limits to confidentiality include threat or harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, and court order. Information might be shared with school administration if behavior reported violates school policy or if information is being shared in the student's best interest. Your school counselor may also consult with another counseling professional, but will only share information that is necessary and helpful to achieving the goals of consultation. Information may also be shared at a student's request, or with student permission. Students will be informed when a counselor is required to break confidentiality.
Referrals for school counseling are accepted from students, parents, school staff and community agencies like Solutions. The length of individual counseling sessions varies based on student need, however sessions generally do not exceed 30 minutes. School counseling is brief and solution-focused. Students requiring long-term counseling will be referred to outside agencies.
Information shared with school counselors is treated with respect. Generally, information shared in the counseling office will not be shared with anyone else. There are a few exceptions to this that are required by law. Limits to confidentiality include threat or harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, and court order. Information might be shared with school administration if behavior reported violates school policy or if information is being shared in the student's best interest. Your school counselor may also consult with another counseling professional, but will only share information that is necessary and helpful to achieving the goals of consultation. Information may also be shared at a student's request, or with student permission. Students will be informed when a counselor is required to break confidentiality.
Why do we need Junior High Counselors?
Junior High Counselors implement the School Counseling Program by providing:
School Guidance Curriculum
System Support
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Individual Student Planning
Responsive Services
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Roles & ServicesThe school counselor's role is to support students in the areas of academic, career and social/emotional development by designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success. Through leadership, advocacy and collaboration, school counselors promote equity and access to rigorous education experiences for all students. School counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safegaurd the human rights of all members of the school community and address the needs of all students through culturally relevant prevention and intervention programs that are part of a comprehensive school counseling program.
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Mission Statement & Program GoalsOur counseling program goals are centered around three domains: academic, career and social/emotional development. We strive to provide services to all students that support them and help them navigate their goals in these areas. We do so through the delivery of direct and indirect services.
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ASCA Ethical StandardsOur counseling work is based on ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. We use these standards to guide our decision-making and specify the principles of ethical behavior necessary to maintain the highest level of integrity, leadership and professionalism.
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ASCA (2017). ASCA Role Statement. American School Counselor Association. Alexandria VA
ASCA (2017). Why Middle School Counselors. American School Counselor Association. Alexandria VA
Lapan, R. T., Gysbers, N. C., & Kayson, M. A. (2007). Missouri school counselors benefit all students. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Lee, C. (2001). Culturally responsive school counselors and programs: Addressing the needs of all students. Professional School Counseling, 4, 163-171.
Sandhu, D. S. (2000). Alienated students: Counseling strategies to curb school violence. Professional School Counseling, 4, 81-85.
Stone, C. B. & Dahir, C. A. (2006). The transformed school counselor. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company
ASCA (2017). Why Middle School Counselors. American School Counselor Association. Alexandria VA
Lapan, R. T., Gysbers, N. C., & Kayson, M. A. (2007). Missouri school counselors benefit all students. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Lee, C. (2001). Culturally responsive school counselors and programs: Addressing the needs of all students. Professional School Counseling, 4, 163-171.
Sandhu, D. S. (2000). Alienated students: Counseling strategies to curb school violence. Professional School Counseling, 4, 81-85.
Stone, C. B. & Dahir, C. A. (2006). The transformed school counselor. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company