The School Counselor works closely with the Upper School Head and Deans to address and anticipate concerns and issues which affect the well being of our students. Students may make their own appointments with the School Counselor, either individually or in groups. Likewise, the Head or Dean in the Upper School, teachers, or parents may refer any student to the counselor. Parents are urged to inform and update the school if they have concerns about their daughters. The purpose of counseling is to:
· Provide support for students as they change and mature physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
· Provide support for students in their relationships with peers, teachers, parents, and others.
· Assist in the identification of particular students who may be having behavioral or emotional difficulties in the classroom
· Assist in the planning of presentations for students, faculty, or parents on topics addressing various developmental, emotional, or behavioral concerns.
· Provide support for students as they learn to better understand and accept responsibility for themselves and their actions.
· Direct families to professional counseling and other appropriate resources outside the school when such direction is sought or seems appropriate.
When a student presents with academic, behavioral, or emotional stress, she is referred to the School Counselor, one of the Deans, or the Upper School Head. In the Upper School, these individuals form a team that meets regularly to coordinate planning for particular students and to ensure that follow through takes place. Each situation is handled on an individual basis, following some or all of these steps:
- Faculty, parents and students are encouraged to report their concerns and observations to a team member, who reports to the group; in the case of an emergency or urgent matter, the School Counselor and Upper School Head will determine an immediate course of action.
- Unless there is an overriding confidentiality issue, the student's other teachers and her advisor will be consulted for their input and kept in the loop.
- A meeting is set up with the parents or guardians to share information and planning. Usually two team members attend this meeting.
- Students with academic issues meet with the Academic Dean, who works with the student's advisor, teacher(s) and parents to provide appropriate support in the form of tutorials or coaching. If warranted, the student may be referred to an appropriate professional for a psycho-educational evaluation to determine if there is a learning difference that needs to be addressed. In this case, the Counselor recommends a number of professionals to the parents and follows through as needed. Testing results are shared with the school, and the Head discusses feasible accommodations, usually extended time, with the student, her parents and her teachers. On request, and with the appropriate documentation, the Director of College Placement applies to the College Board for extended time on standardized tests.
- A student experiencing behavioral or emotional stress is referred to the School Counselor, who will contact the parents to review the situation and discuss various intrventions. If psychotherapy seems to be warranted, the Counselor gives the family the names of several therapists to consider. These are selected with consideration for the nature of the issue, the family personality, and the family logistics. After recommendations have been made, the Counselor follows up with the family or student, and the Head communicates necessary information to the teachers.
Throughout this process, it is assumed that all actions taken are consistent with our mission commitment to growth and responsibility, and that the student is able to remain within the regular program of studies.
