Guidance

Derek Green

        IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH, WE BELIEVE:

• Each student has value.
• Each student has the potential to succeed.
• Each student should have access to a school counseling program.
• Our school counseling program will remain relevant and effective through use of data to design, implement, and evaluate its services.
• Collaboration with students, families, stakeholders, and community partners is crucial to meeting the needs of students.
• Our school counseling program will abide by the American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards for School Counselors.

OUR VISION:
The SFS School Counseling Department envisions a school where student needs are met and supports are provided to foster development of well-rounded, purpose-driven citizens who have the ability to positively impact their community.

OUR MISSION:
The SFS School Counseling Department strives to provide services to students that will assist them in changing minds, changing lives, and changing the world.  These services will utilize research-based, data-driven interventions and programs to promote the MCPS Seven Keys to College and Career Readiness, and personal, social, emotional, and academic growth.

SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES
The comprehensive school counseling program is an integral part of the school environment. It is implemented by Masters and/or Doctoral level licensed professional school counselors. School counselors are specifically trained to address the issues within our schools that have a substantial impact on student learning. Serving as leaders and advocates, school counselors work with students, families, communities, faculty and staff to address issues that have a substantial impact on student academic, personal/social and career development. Counselor activities include:

Direct services – face-to-face interactions between school counselors and students.

• School counseling curriculum (instruction/group activities)
• Individual student planning (appraisal/advisement)
• Responsive services (counseling/crisis response)
• College/Career Readiness Counseling.

Indirect Student Services - services provided on behalf of students resulting from school counselors’ interactions with others.

• Referrals
• Consultation
• Collaboration

Click HERE for a Parent Referral Form