Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Plan

Mission Statement

Our district mission is to inspire, prepare and empower our students to lead fulfilled lives as compassionate, productive and engaged citizens.

The Potsdam Central School Guidance and Counseling Department is committed to providing a caring and supportive program that inspires our students to develop academically, socially and emotionally.

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Counseling Philosophy

As counselors of the Potsdam Central School District we believe:

• All students are capable of learning and experiencing success.
• Students are valued as individuals.
• Students have a right to, and will benefit from, a comprehensive counseling program that is diverse and preserves the dignity of each student.
• Students, with their parents, are responsible for monitoring their educational progress, assisted by the professional school counselor.

And that counselors:

• Promote a trauma responsive approach to addressing student behavior.
• Help students recognize their learning strengths, weaknesses and potential.
• Coordinate activities and programs that support the academic mission of the school.
• Utilize the strengths of parents and the community and serve as liaisons between parents, the community and the school.
• Serve as leaders in the advocacy of school reform and are key players in school reform.
• Participate in ongoing programs and professional development that enhance their skills and knowledge.

And adhere to the American School Counseling Association Mindsets:

• Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being.
• Self-confidence in ability to succeed.
• Sense of belonging in the school environment.
• Understanding that postsecondary education and life-long learning are necessary for long-term career success.
• Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes.
• Positive attitude toward work and learning.

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Counselor’s Role

Among the skills that characterize a school counselor, the following are those we consider essential:

• Counseling: School counselors provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, prevention and referral services for outside mental health services and assessment.
• Consultation: School counselors acting as consultants can help parents, teachers, and students work together effectively. They seek solutions to improve the educational/social/emotional experience for all students.
• Coordination of Services: School counselors coordinate resources and services for students and families through community outreach. School counselors collaborate with agencies to provide a variety of services and opportunities to students and their families.
• Leadership: School counselors seek to make schools a welcoming learning community where all students can achieve academic, career, and personal/social success. School counselors promote academic achievement by developing a comprehensive developmental school counseling program that pays attention to issues of educational equity and access.
• Advocacy: School counselors are advocates for all students to achieve at a high level. School counselors remove barriers to academic achievement by teaching skills to students, and helping students and parents negotiate the school environment and access support systems.
• Teaming and Collaboration: School counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, special educators, staff, students, parents, and community members to impact system-wide changes. Most importantly, school counselors demonstrate that they are willing to share responsibility for student achievement and school improvement.
• Use of Data: Data provides a method to determine the impact of a school counseling program on student success and school climate. Data provides a method for counselors to assist in the development of appropriate academic programming.

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Counseling Advisory Council (CAC)

The Potsdam Central School District will develop and maintain a counseling program advisory council.

1. Membership will include representative stakeholders (such as parents, members of the board of education, school building and/or district leaders, community-based service providers, teachers, certified school counselors and other pupil personnel service providers in the district including school social workers and/or school psychologists).
2. The advisory council shall meet no less than twice a year for the purpose of reviewing the comprehensive developmental school counseling/guidance program plan and advising on the implementation of the school counseling/guidance program.

The purpose of the council is to provide feedback on program goals (developed and explained by the school counselor), review program results (based on data presentations by the school counselors), make recommendations about the school counseling program, and serve as advocates for the program.

The charged of the CAC is to address key paradigm shifts that pertain to quality control (doing the right things), quality assurance (ensuring what is done meets the needs of customers) and strategic positioning.

Recommendations shall be formulated, documented and made available to the school administration and counseling staff to solidify a plan for completion. Further, the recommendations and corresponding action plan shall be shared with the superintendent, who shall then share said documentation with the Board of Education.

The CAC shall present at a designated Board of Education meeting at least twice (2) per year, providing an overview of progress and plans for continued work of the CAC.

American School Counseling Association (ASCA)

The ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors are organized into three broad domains: academic, career and social/emotional development. These domains promote mindsets and behaviors that enhance the learning process and create a culture of college and career readiness for all students.

The definitions of each domain are as follows:

Domains

(A) Academic Development

Standards guiding school counseling programs to implement strategies and activities to support and maximize each student’s ability to learn.

(C) Career Development

Standards guiding school counseling programs to help students:

1. Understand the connection between school and the world of work; and
2. Plan for and make a successful transition from school to postsecondary education and/or the world of work and from job to job across the life-span.

(S/E) Social/Emotional Development

Standards guiding school counseling programs to help students manage emotions and learn and apply interpersonal skills.

Mindsets

M1: Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being.

M2: Self-confidence in ability to succeed.

M3: Sense of belonging in the school environment.

M4: Understanding that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term career success.

M5: Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes.

M6: Positive attitude toward work and learning.

Behavior: Learning Strategies

B-LS 1: Demonstrate critical-thinking skills to make informed decisions.

B-LS 2: Demonstrate creativity.

B-LS 3: Use time-management, organizational study skills.

B-LS 4: Apply self-motivation and self-direction to learning.

B-LS 5: Apply media and technology skills.

B-LS 6: Set high standards of quality.

B-LS 7: Identify long- and short-term academic, career and social/emotional goals.

B-LS 8: Actively engage in challenging coursework.

B-LS 9: Gather evidence and consider multiple perspectives to make informed decisions.

B-LS 10: Participate in enrichment and extracurricular activities.

Behavior: Self-Management Skills

B-SMS 1: Demonstrate ability to assume responsibility.

B-SMS 2: Demonstrate self-discipline and self-control.

B-SMS 3: Demonstrate ability to work independently.

B-SMS 4: Demonstrate ability to delay immediate gratification for long-term rewards.

B-SMS 5: Demonstrate perseverance to achieve long- and short-term goals.

B-SMS 6: Demonstrate ability to overcome barriers to learning.

B-SMS 7: Demonstrate effective coping skills when faced with a problem.

B-SMS 8: Demonstrate the ability to balance school, home and community activities.

B-SMS 9: Demonstrate personal safety skills.

B-SMS 10: Demonstrate ability to manage transitions and ability to adapt to changing situations and responsibilities.

Behavior: Social Skills

B-SS 1: Use of effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills.

B-SS 2: Create positive and supportive relationships with other students.

B-SS 3: Create relationships with adults that support success.

B-SS 4: Demonstrate empathy.

B-SS 5: Demonstrate ethical decision-making and social responsibility.

B-SS 6: Use effective collaboration and cooperative skills.

B-SS 7: Use leadership and teamwork skills to work effectively in diverse teams.

B-SS 8: demonstrate advocacy skills and ability to assert self, when necessary.

B-SS 9: Demonstrate social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and environment.

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Lawrence Avenue Elementary School Counseling Program

The goal of the Elementary School Counseling Program for Grades K-4 is to address the unique intellectual and developmental needs of our students while teaching them tools which will enable them to become compassionate, productive, and successful citizens. By embracing the whole child approach our school provides an advanced elementary education setting the standard for long-term student success. A whole child approach ensures that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

Delivery of the school counseling program for grades K-4 Students includes:

504/IEP Plan Counseling

Program Objectives:

• Provide individual and/or small group counseling to students identified by the CSE/504.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5, B-LS7, B-SMS 5

Staff & Resources: Counselors

Positivity Project

Program Objectives:

• Utilize the Positivity Project’s resources, training, and strategies to teach students the Positive Psychology 24 character strengths and align with mental health standards.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6, B-LS 10, B-SS 2, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: Counselors, Teachers, Administration, Support Staff

Consultation and Coordination with Community Partners

Program Objectives:

• Local community services such as Child Protective Services, Law Enforcement, MIT, after school mentoring from SUNY Potsdam, K-Kids, etc.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6, B-LS 10, B-SMS 5, B-SMS 7, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: Counselor, Teachers, Administration, Support Staff, Community Partners

Student Support Team

Program Objectives:

• Meets monthly to identify students exhibiting problematic attendance, academic, and behavioral problems.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M3, M5, B-SMS 2, B-SMS 6, B-SMS 8

Staff & Resources: Counselors, Administration, Psychologist, Teacher Referrals

Crisis Counseling & Risk Assessment

Program Objectives:

• When a student is identified as potentially being at risk of harming self or others.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 2, B-SMS 7, B-SMS 9

Staff & Resources: Counselors, Psychologists

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

Program Objectives:

• When a student’s behavior reaches crisis level and is too difficult to manage by normal interventions.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 2, B-SMS 7, B-SMS 9

Staff & Resources: Counselor, Administration

Restorative Practices

Program Objectives:

• Build positive relationships in and out of the school setting.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6, B-SMS 7, B-SS 2, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: Counselors, Teachers, Administration, Support Staff

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A.A. Kingston Middle School Counseling Plan

The A.A. Kingston Middle School plays a pivotal role in the educational program of our students, transitioning them from elementary to middle and middle to high school. The goal of the Middle School Counseling Program is to address the unique intellectual and developmental needs of young adolescents, offering them the learning tools that will enable them to work towards becoming compassionate, productive, and engaged citizens.

The AAK Guidance Department feels this plan should serve as a guiding, flexible, and ever-changing document that develops with time to address the needs of the unique population. We inspire our students to develop academically, socially, and emotionally to become strong and responsible citizens who are well prepared for a diverse and ever-changing world.

School Counselors have a wealth of knowledge and experience which allows us to collaborate with families to holistically meet the needs of our school community in order to maximize student potential. School Counselors have an appreciation for the dignity and worth of each person we encounter. We advocate a philosophy of acceptance and compassion for all by inspiring our school community to create an environment of self-discovery.

Grade 5-8 Delivery

504/IEP Plan Counseling (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors will provide individual and/or small group counseling to student identified by the CSE as part of their Individual Educational Plan (IEP) in order for students to meet their identified goals.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5, B-LS 7, B-SMS 5, B-SMS 6

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor

Academic Intervention Services (AIS) Support Counseling (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• Provide counseling support to students not meeting NYS academic benchmarks.
• Students will develop academic and social/emotional skills based on AIS needs and corresponding interventions.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5, B-LS 1, B-LS 7, B-SMS 6, B-SMS 7

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor

Consultation (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors will meet, on an as needed basis, with teachers, parents, and community members to discuss various counseling related issues to include, but not limited to mental health treatment, suicide prevention, managing grief, etc.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5, B-LS1, B-SMS 6, B-SMS 8, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor

AIS Meeting (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Professionals will meet monthly to review student academic performance and assess eligibility for AIS service. Multiple measures will be utilized, including iReady scores and current grades.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M5, B-LS7, B-SMS 6

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS AIS Teachers

Team Meetings (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Professionals will meet weekly to establish appropriate academic and social/emotional programming for students at each grade level.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M3, M6, B-LS 5, B-LS 6, B-LS 8, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

Student Support Team (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Professionals will meet weekly to identify students exhibiting problematic attendance, academic, and behavioral problems.
• Coordination and development of action plans and interventions.
• Appropriate follow-up.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M3, M5, B-SMS 1, B-SMS 2, B-SMS 3, B-SMS 6

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, School Psychologist, School Nurse, Resource Officer, MS Teacher Referrals

Attendance Policy (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

Guidance Department will follow the guidelines per district policy:

• Level 1: Letter Home.
• Level 2: Meeting with Counselor to create an attendance improvement plan.
• Level 3: Coordinate meeting with Principal to review the attendance improvement plan and update as needed.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M3, M6, B-LS4, B-LS9, B-SMS 1, B-SMS 7, B-SS 9

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration

Discipline Policy-Counselor Meeting (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• In the case of excessive discipline referrals, the Counselor will meet with the student and guardian to discuss a behavior improvement plan.
• Counselor will recommend wrap-around services, and a review of potential consequences will be discussed to help support the student.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M3, M6, B-LS1, B-LS9, B-SMS 2, B-SS 9

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors

Crisis Counseling Protocol (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• When a student is identified as potentially being at risk of harming self or others, the district’s crisis protocol will be followed by identified professionals.
• Staff will utilize Safe-T Protocol as part of the Columbia Rating Scale.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 2, B-SMS 7, B-SMS 9

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Services (TCIS) (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• When a student’s behavior reaches a crisis level and is too difficult to manage by normal interventions, the TCIS Team will be called to assist and PCS District protocol will be followed.
• TCIS team will have ongoing training to maintain certification.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 2, B-SMS 7, B-SMS 9

Staff & Resources: TCIS Team Members, MS Administration

Positivity Project (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Utilize the Positivity Project’s resources, training, and strategies to teach students the positive psychology 24 character strengths and empower the students to build positive relationships in and out of the school setting.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6, B-LS10, B-SMS 7, B-SS 2, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

Restorative Practices (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• When appropriate, counselors and other trained staff will utilize restorative practices to help resolve conflict, address potential harm, and strengthen relationships with those in the school community.
• Trained staff will use the restorative circle model.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6, B-SMS 7, B-SS 2, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

Open House, Report Card Night (Fall and Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors will work with administration to coordinate open house and report card night.
• Parents and teachers will meet to review classroom expectations and students overall progress.

Domain: A

Student Standard: M3, B-LS7

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

Student Recognition (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors will coordinate various opportunities to recognize student achievement. Interventions will include, but are not limited to, student of the block, principal scholars, P2 shout outs, positive discipline referrals, newspaper and social media postings, end of year awards ceremony, etc.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M3, B-LS2, B-SMS 4, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

New Student Orientation (Ongoing – As needed)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors will work with new students to familiarize themselves with building, services, and expectations.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M3, B-SMS 5

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

Consultation and Coordination with Community Programs/Partners (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors will coordinate with local community programs to identify students appropriate for participation and provide ongoing logistical support. Programs include, but are not limited to Beyond the Bell, Mentoring, Builders Club, MIT, Snack Pack Program, etc.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6, B-LS 10, B-SMS 5, B-SMS 7, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff, Community Partners

Delivery Grade 5

5th Grade Visit (4th graders end of previous school year)

Program Objectives:

• 4th-grade students meet with 5th-grade teachers and tour the building.
• 5th-grade teachers introduce themselves and each review a component of the transition to middle school.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M3, B-SMS 10

Staff & Resources: K-4 Counselor, 5-6 Counselor, School Psychologist, 4th/5th-grade teachers, Building principals

Meet the Counselor (Fall)

Program Objectives:

• Small group instruction to learn about the individual counselors and the school counseling program.
• Students become familiar with the role of the counseling staff.
• Students become familiar with how and when to access the counselor.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M3, B-SS3

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor, 7-8 Counselor, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor

5th Grade Orientation (Beginning of School Year)

Program Objectives:

• Counselors assist in coordinating the 5th-grade orientation night, which will focus on a student’s transition to middle school.
• Students will meet their teacher and support staff, tour the building, and practice with lockers, etc.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M3, B-LS1, B-SMS 10, B-SS 3

Staff & Resources: MS Counselors, MS Administration, MS Teachers, MS Support Staff

Study Skills (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to promote needed soft skills, including written and oral communication skills and accessing the school tool.

Domain: A

Student Standard: M4, B-LS5, B-SS1

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor, 5th-grade Teachers

Anti-Bully Techniques HAHASO (Fall)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present anti-bullying techniques.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7, B-SS8

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor

Mindfulness (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present healthy coping strategies with mindfulness techniques.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 2, B-SS 9

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor

Delivery Grade 6

Individual 6th Grade Guidance Meeting (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Provide counseling, individually or in small groups, to review academic progress and career planning.
• Students will develop academic requests for the upcoming school year.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M4, B-LS7, B-SMS 8, B-SMS 10

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor

Naviance Curriculum (Ongoing)

Program Objectives: Through small group guided lessons in Naviance specific to the student’s grade level:

• Student will begin the process of becoming career and college ready by focusing on career exploration, academic planning, and self-discovery.
• Students will complete an electronic interest inventory in order to gain understanding of the strengths they possess, both academic and interpersonally.
• Students will begin to explore the academic preparation needed for a variety of careers tailored to their personal interests.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M4, M5, B-LS4, B-LS7, B-SMS 8, B-SMS 10, B-SS7

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor, 6th grade teachers

Digital Citizenship (Fall and Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the 6th-grade computer class and present on digital citizenship and digital footprint.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor, 6th grade teachers

Conflict Cycle – Conflict Resolution (Fall)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present conflict resolution techniques with a focus on avoiding the conflict cycle.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7, B-SS 8

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor

5R’s Anger Management (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present healthy coping strategies with anger management techniques.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7, B-SS 9

Staff & Resources: 5-6 Counselor

Delivery Grade 7

Individual 7th Grade Guidance Meeting (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Provide counseling individually or in small groups to review academic progress and career planning.
• Students will develop academic requests for the upcoming school year.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M4, B-LS7, B-SMS 8, B-SMS 10

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor

Naviance Curriculum (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Through small group guided lessons in Naviance specific to the student’s grade level:
  • Student will begin the process of becoming career and college ready by focusing on career exploration, academic planning, and self-discovery.
  • Students will complete an electronic interest inventory in order to gain further understanding of the strengths they possess, both academic and interpersonally.
  • Students will begin to explore the academic preparation needed for a variety of careers tailored to their personal interests.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M4, M5, B-LS4, B-LS7, B-SMS 8, B-SMS 10, B-SS7

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, 7th grade teachers

Mindfulness 2 (Fall)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present healthy coping strategies with mindfulness techniques.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7, B-SS 9

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, School Psychologist

Managing Grief (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present healthy coping strategies in regards to managing grief.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7, B-SS4

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, School Psychologist

Delivery Grade 8

Individual 8th Grade Guidance Meeting (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Students will gain insight into their academic progress, career aspirations, and specific social/emotional needs.
• Their proposed high school Four-Year-Program.
• Recommendations from their counselor and teacher as to appropriate program recommendations.
• The process of periodic self-review and evaluations.
• Students will work on career exploration through lessons, assessments, and Road Nation.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M4, B-LS7, B-SMS 8, B-SMS 10

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, Parent of Student

Naviance Curriculum (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Through small group guided lessons in Naviance specific to the student’s grade level:
  • Student will begin the process of becoming career and college ready by focusing on career exploration, academic planning, and self-discovery.
  • Students will complete an electronic interest inventory in order to gain further understanding of the strengths they possess, both academically and interpersonally.
  • Students will begin to explore the academic preparation needed for a variety of careers tailored to their personal interests.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M4, M5, B-LS4, B-LS7, B-SMS 8, B-SMS 10, B-SS7

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, 8th grade teachers

Self-Care Strategies (Fall)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present healthy coping strategies with a focus on maintaining self-care.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, School Psychologist

Cultural Competence (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Counselor will facilitate a small group instruction by pushing into the classroom to present healthy coping strategies with a focus on cultural competence.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS 7, B-SS5

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, School Psychologist

BOCES visit (Fall)

Program Objectives:

• Information regarding Career and Technical Education and programs available.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, B-LS4, B-LS9, B-SMS10

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, 8th grade teachers

Eighth Grade Transition Plan (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Coordination of classroom presentation and distribution of high school program of studies.
• Nighttime curriculum presentation for parents and students.
• Students will learn skills for drawing on their ability to be resilient.

Domain: S/E, A

Student Standard: M3, B-LS7, B-SMS 5, B-SMS 10

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, 8th grade teachers, High School Counselors

Moving Up Day (Spring)

Program Objectives:

• Student visit to high school.

Domain: S/E, A

Student Standard: M3, B-SMS7, B-SMS 10

Staff & Resources: 7-8 Counselor, 8th grade teachers, High School Counselors

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Potsdam High School Counseling Plan

As high school students transition from childhood through adolescence and young adulthood, they are faced with multifaceted challenges impacting achievement and readiness for postsecondary success. As students experience a final transition into adulthood, they will explore who they are and who they will become, are influenced by their peers, are faced with increased social and academic pressures, and need support to make decisions that focus on future success. The Potsdam High School counseling department is integral to the educational program, supporting students in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to be effective learners and contributing members of the school community.

School counselors advocate for students’ educational needs and work to ensure that these needs are addressed at every level of the school experience. They believe, support and promote every student’s goals to achieve success in school. Through their leadership, advocacy, collaboration and counseling, school counselors reduce barriers so that students increase their opportunities for success. School counselors team with all stakeholders to develop and implement responsible educational programs that support the achievement for every student. They create effective working relationships among students, professionals and support staff, parent/guardians and community members. They are essential collaborative partners who enhance the educational opportunities of students and families.

School counselors will ensure that every student participates in activities in the three domains: Career-Postsecondary, Personal-Social Emotional, and Academic. We will provide developmental as well as prevention and intervention services allowing for the growth and development of all students. The counseling program will be continuously refined through program evaluation addressing the evolving needs of students and school counseling goals will be aligned to ASCA standards as outlined below.

Delivery Grades 9-12

504/IEP Plan Counseling (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Provide individual and/or small group counseling to students identified by the CSE as part of their Individual Educational Plan in order for students to meet their identified goals.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor

Individual Counseling

Program Objectives:

• Short-term counseling to build positive supports and individual skills.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Academic Counseling

Program Objectives:

• Students will develop strategies to achieve academic success.

Domain: A, S/E

• Student Standard: M1, M5
• Staff & Resources: HS Counselors, Teacher Reports, Grade Reports

Link Crew (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Provide a mentoring program for incoming freshmen by using upperclassmen as Link Leaders.

Domain: A, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors, HS Teachers, Upperclass Link Leaders

Positivity Project (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• N/A

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, M6

Staff & Resources: HS Club Leaders, HS Students

Restorative Practices (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• When appropriate, counselors and other trained staff will use restorative practices to help resolve conflict, address potential harm, and strengthen relationships within the school community. Trained staff will use the restorative circle model.

Student Standard: N/A

Domain: S/E

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors, HS Administration, HS Teachers, HS Support Staff, Resource Officer, Community Members

Student Support Team (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• Professionals will meet weekly to identify students exhibiting problematic attendance, academic, and behavioral problems. Coordination and development of action plans and interventions.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: N/A

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors, BOCES Counselor, HS Administration, School Nurse, Resource Officer, HS Teacher Referrals

Crisis Counseling Protocol (Ongoing)

Program Objectives:

• When a student is identified as potentially being at risk of harming self or others, the district’s crisis protocol will be followed by identified professionals.
• Staff will utilize Safe-T Protocol as part of the Columbia Rating Scale.

Domain: S/E

Student Standard: M1, B-SMS-2, B-SMS-7, B-SMS-9

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors, School Psychologist, BOCES Counselor, Community Mental Health Agencies

Review of each student’s educational progress and post-secondary plan at least annually and work toward academic success and increasing goal setting and independence skill proficiency.

Program Objectives:

• Individual conferences with the counselor at least annually and as needed additionally throughout the school year.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M2, M4, M5, M6, B-LS7, B-SS3, B-LS1

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Review and at least annually revise the student’s plan for meeting graduation requirements and taking advantage of opportunities that assist with information toward future planning.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: B-LS7, B-LS1

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Review counselor and teacher recommendations for course selections with the goal of taking the most challenging program available and appropriate for the individual students given their future goals. Make program and schedule adjustments when necessary.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: B-LS1, B-SMS 1, B-LS1, B-SMS 6

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Monitor student quarter and progress reports and meet when necessary to plan potential solutions to academic, interpersonal and/or attendance problems.

Domain: N/A

Student Standard: N/A

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Work with students to understand the potential causes of and solutions to academic problems.

Domain: A

Student Standard: N/A

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Monitor implementation of any improvement steps for improved student academic performance and adjust when necessary.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M3

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Work cooperatively with students, parents and teachers in reducing areas of difficulty and barriers to student academic success.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M2

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Participate when necessary on the building level Child Study Team, document intervention strategies and communicate with parents and teachers about interventions and progress.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Consult with students, parents, teachers and administration in the assignment of academic intervention services including academic intervention and behavioral counseling.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Participate when necessary on the Committee on Special Education to provide advice on academic requirements, graduation and postsecondary planning.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Emphasize to students and parents the importance of regular school and class attendance and the necessity of making up work if they are absent as soon as possible when they return to school or class.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M1, M2, M4, M6

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Update student records including the list of student activities, progress toward graduation requirements, individual concerns, interventions, long term plans and documentation of meetings with students, teachers, parents and administration.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M4

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Closely monitor student transcripts for accuracy and progress toward timely completion of graduation requirements. Notify administration of any concerns that a student may not graduate on time and participate in the plan to work out the best solution for appropriate diploma options.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Assist when necessary in coordinating exchange of information for students being provided education through home tutoring or residential treatment.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M2, M3

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Work with administration to develop course programming and a master schedule which best meets the needs of the students and the district overall.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Coordinate with students, parents, teachers and administration on planning for Regents exams and credit recovery programs.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Work with the administrative team to set annual goals for improvement of the school counseling program as related to academic student development and provide an annual program outcome report to the Board of Education

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: N/A

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Advise students about various career options and assist them in taking the steps to put in place and confirm a post-secondary plan.

Program Objectives:

• Students will be taught how to use Naviance program to explore values, interests and abilities and assess potential careers they should consider based on their results in 9th grade and as necessary in following years. Students will continue to have access to assessments in Naviance that will give them information about their strengths, multiple intelligences, interests and skills each following year in high school.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M1, M4, M5, B-LS 1-10

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be provided with information about how to research career pathways, search college choices and find information about potential majors related to their career interests in 10th grade, including competency in use of the Roadtrip Nation program in Naviance.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M1, M4, M5, B-LS 1-10

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be instructed to make connections with the character strengths identified as part of the Positivity Project program and how that affects career choice.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M4, M5, B-LS 1-10

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be encouraged to keep a list of student activities including clubs, sports, community service, part time jobs and awards in the guidance office and be advised of the importance of these activities in relation to college and employment applications and recommendations and references starting in 9th grade with annual updates in their individual counselor meetings.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M1, M3, M4, M5, B-LS 1-10

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be provided the opportunity to view a Career and Technical Education program presentation and participate in follow up visits to specific programs in 10th grade.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, B-LS 1-9

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be encouraged to attend both the SUNY Roadshow and College Fair programs in 10th and 11th grade.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M1, M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Nominate students when necessary for scholarships, leadership and career exploration opportunities as they become available.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be encouraged to take the PSAT in 10th grade, the SAT and ACT in 11th grade and offered information about prep courses available through local colleges and our BOCES center.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be encouraged to meet with admissions and program representatives visiting the guidance office throughout the school year in Grades 9-12.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be encouraged to visit as many of the colleges they are applying to (as possible) by the end of 11th grade.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Students will be provided opportunities to meet with representatives of the different military branches at school when they visit and when individually requested.
• Students will be provided the opportunities to take the ASVAB aptitude test for free in 11th grade and will be provided an opportunity to use the results to assist them with making career choices.
• Students will be provided opportunities to complete the “Do What You Are” personality test in Naviance in 11th grade.
• Students will meet with their counselor in September and as frequently as necessary through the senior year to coordinate steps necessary to implement their postsecondary plan.
• Students and parents will be provided with information and assistance regarding the financial aid process and scholarship applications.
• Counselors will update and maintain required information for the school profile to provide as requested to colleges.
• Assist students when necessary in applying for testing and application fee waivers.
• Coordinate with colleges for documentation of student credit for dual enrollment courses.
• Coordinate the local scholarship and award program for seniors.
• Consult and coordinate with the English department to provide experiences and advice for seniors related to job search, resume building, job shadowing and the senior Capstone project.
• Use data collection sections of Naviance to assess success of current school counseling programs and assess postgraduate outcomes.
• Work with the administrative team to set annual goals for improvement of the school counseling program as related to career planning in student development and provide an annual program report to the Board of Education.

Domain: A, C

Student Standard: M4, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Assist students with positive social and emotional growth and reduction of negative behaviors by introducing and practicing the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success rubric with 9-12 students.

Program Objectives:

• Counseling with students to develop trust and encouragement to share reasons underlying negative behavior which may include but not be limited to attendance, discipline, academic or interpersonal difficulties.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1-M6, B-LS 1-10, B-SMS 1-8, B-SS 1-9

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Counseling with students to work on accepting personal responsibility for their own behavior, understanding appropriate ways to deal with negative emotions, understanding how to be more tolerant and empathetic to others, developing confidence in their own ability to problem solve and accomplish tasks successfully, and improving their ability to accept and take advantage of appropriate support systems in changing their negative behavior patterns.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1-M6, B-LS 1-10, B-SMS 1-8, B-SS 1-9

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Consultation with teachers to assess the extent of the problem behavior and discuss options to improve the situation.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M3

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Consultation with or referral to alternative support personnel as appropriate.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Consultation with parents on ways to intercede in existing or potential behavior problems exhibited by their student and plan for ways the school and home can work together toward a resolution of the problem.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Make referrals to community agencies or professionals with parent consent as appropriate and available.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Work with community agencies to coordinate presentations for students regarding at risk behaviors, coping strategies and positive decision making.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Consultation and coordination of group activities for students, including but not limited to Freshman orientation, Link Crew Activities, boys group, restorative circles.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M2, M3

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Assist in developing building appropriate surveys in Naviance for students on topics such as bullying, career and graduation planning, transition planning and postgraduate outcomes.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M2, M4

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

Program Objectives:

• Work with the administrative team to set annual goals for improvement of the school counseling program as related to social and emotional growth in student development and provide an annual program report to the Board of Education.

Domain: A, C, S/E

Student Standard: M1, M5

Staff & Resources: HS Counselors

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Accountability System

To achieve the best results for students, Potsdam Central School counselors regularly evaluate their program to determine its effectiveness. Now more than ever, school counselors are challenged to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs in measurable terms.

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Data Analysis

The school data profile is a summary of the school’s achievement, attendance, behavior, and safety record over a multi-year period and can contribute to a better understanding of trends at the school. Analysis of the school data profile helps school counselors monitor student achievement, identify achievement, opportunity, and attainment gaps, and recognize a need for systemic change. The counseling team will review available attendance, graduation rates, achievement, behavior, and safety data from the most recent school years. The team will consider the following questions when analyzing the data:

• What strengths are indicated by the data?
• What concerns are indicated?
• Have attendance and graduation rates remained stable?
• How can the school counseling program contribute to addressing the educational issues posed by the data?

To analyze school data, school counselors will collaborate with administrators to identify problem areas using data critical to student success. Examples include discipline referrals, standardized test scores, retention, dropout rates, and attendance. Goals will be set based on the following questions:

• How does the role of the school counselor impact student success?
• Which strategies had a positive impact on the data?
• Which strategies should be replaced or changed?
• How did your role as the school counselor and your goal contribute to a systemic change in your school?

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Program Results

Analyzing school counseling program results reports ensures programs are evaluated for effectiveness and informs decisions related to program improvement. The analysis of results reports is the heart of having a data-driven school counseling program (ASCA, 2012). The Potsdam Central Schools Counseling Department, along with administrators, must annually review the accountability plans to identify trends and areas of success and areas in need of improvement.

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