The Role of the School Counselor

At WHMS, School Counselors are assigned a cohort and follow them through their middle school years. They assist students in academic, educational/career planning, and personal/social development. School counselors work with all students, school staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the education program. School counselors are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and have the training needed for fulfilling their responsibilities and specialized assignments.

Comprehensive School Counseling Program
A Comprehensive School Counseling Program is an integral part of the educational mission of the Elmbrook School District. It is based on the National Model Academic Standards for School Counseling and the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model. Standards related to Academic Support, Personal/Social Issues, and Career Development act as a guide to fostering student growth.

Academic Support
School Counselors assist students in their development as strong learners by encouraging students to become independent, to participate in higher level thinking, and to understand themselves as learners that in turn allows for success in high school and beyond. Counselors advocate for individual student needs and act as a liaison for parents, teachers, students and support systems.

Social/Emotional Learning
School counselors support the emotional needs of students as they endure the drastic social, physical, and personal changes that are characteristic of adolescence. This includes education in topics related to bully and violence prevention, acceptance and diversity, conflict resolution, and decision making. Counselors are available in times of crisis, liaisons to community resources, and advocates for students' emotional well being as they try to maintain success in school. Counselors also support the emotional needs of students during transition, including those new to the district.

Career Development
Counselors support students as they begin their journey of career development. Utilizing the career software Naviance, students focus primarily on "Who Am I" in order to gain a better understanding of their strengths, personality, and interests. Connections between self-awareness and career awareness are made so as to allow students to eventually make educated decisions on their future career paths. Students access their Naviance account through MyElmbrook.

Integrated within the Academic Standards for School Counseling are the following comprehensive school counseling themes:

• Academic Success
• Careers
• Citizenship
• Communication/Social Skills
• Safety & Wellness
• Self Understanding/Management
• Transitions

Resources:

• Prevention Resources on e-Cigarettes and Smoking