The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement."  (ASCA, The Role of the Professional School Counselor)

As you travel through your year...We are here to help!

Cougar Counseling

Welcome to the cougar counseling webpage.  We are glad you are here! 

Our theme for this school year is:

 "Your life is a wonderful journey...embrace the adventure!"

We work with all of our Conway Cougars to help them unlock their treasure.  Please navigate through our Counselors' Corner to find out about some of the ways we work with our students to help them!

If you ever have any questions or comments please contact us at the school, 361-1455.

Below is the Stafford County Counseling Program outline for 2008-2009 school year.

              Stafford County Public Schools

School Counseling Program 2009-2010

 

     Together with parents and educators, Stafford County’s school counselors assist all students to respond to educational, career development, and social and emotional needs. Children’s lives are constantly changing and their lives are affected by today’s societal issues. Such issues may cause children to have difficulty achieving their academic potential. All students can benefit from the assistance provided by a school counselor.

 

STAFFORD COUNTY’S SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM GOALS AND PROGRAM AREAS

 

The overall goal of school counseling program of the Stafford County Public Schools is to help young people develop to their maximum potential and to enhance their lives, for their future is our future. The Counseling and Guidance program is preventative in its focus and is based upon the developmental stages of students in grade K-12. Because student needs vary at different age levels, the areas of emphasis will vary accordingly. The program builds a foundation for learning in the following areas:

Academic and Educational Area:

*orientation/transition to the educational environment;

*pursuit of planned and balanced academic program consistent with abilities, interests and educational needs;

*resolution of problems which interfere with learning;

*awareness of academic abilities, strengths, needs and interests;

*awareness of curricular alternatives, graduation requirements, and career goals;

*awareness of academic and career opportunities after high school

 

Career Area:

*awareness of, and knowledge about, the world of work and career;

*acquisition of information about educational and vocational/training opportunities with and beyond high school;

*use of knowledge of self as it relates to career planning;

 establishment of tentative career objectives;

*preparation for future education and employment.

 

Personal/Social Area:

*development of increased self-understanding;

*establishment of positive relationships through effective communication skills;

*acquisition of problem-solving/decision-making and coping skills;

*encouragement of self-directive and responsible behavior;

*understanding the need for positive attitudes toward school, learning, community, and society.

 

COUNSELOR ETHICS

School counselors abide by the professional ethical standards of the Virginia/American School Counselor Association and the Virginia/American Counselor’s Association. School Counselors’ relationships with others comply with all laws, policies, and ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality. Information and records of personal and social counseling with students are kept confidential and separate from a student’s educational records and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior parent consent or as otherwise provided by law.

 

 

 

 

 

Stafford County Public Schools

Guidance and Counseling Program, 2009-20010

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WHO ARE STAFFORD’S SCHOOL COUNSELORS?

 

SCHOOL COUNSELORS, along with all educators, participate in the guidance component of the school counseling program.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS spend at least 60% of their day providing direct counseling services to students.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS, in some schools, may assist the staff with the Standards of Learning testing program, at designated grade levels.

 

SCHOOL COUNSELORS are licensed professionals    trained in:  - human development;  - career information and development;  - social and cultural issues.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS are skilled in: -   individual counseling; -   group counseling; -   consultation; -   classroom guidance.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS provide a program which     Includes: - preventative services; - developmental activities; - individual counseling; - small group counseling; - classroom guidance lessons; - information services; - referral assistance. - career counseling

SCHOOL COUNSELORS’ training:  - includes that specified by the Virginia Board of       Education licensing requirements for school       counselors;  - includes counseling techniques which are part of       their professional training;  - does not include those prohibited by school       policy, such as hypnosis or psychotherapeutic       techniques typically used for the treatment of       mental illness or psychopathology.

 

ANNUAL NOTICE TO PARENTS and GUARDIANS for the PARTICIPATION OF

STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL GUIDANCE and COUNSELING PROGRAM

 

 

 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR YOUR COMMENTS, you are invited to contact the

 Supervisor of Accelerated Programs at 658-6000.