XI. Services

Guidance and Counseling Services

The school counselor assists students, teachers, parents and administrators. The role of the counselor is to help students as they seek to identify and achieve personal, academic, career and social goals, assume rights and responsibilities in various life roles at each developmental stage.

Important functions of the guidance department include:

• Academic Improvement and planning

• Personal/Social Growth

• Crisis Intervention Services

• Transitional Services

• Parent Support

• Teacher Support

• Career/Life Planning

• Consultant to other professionals and/or agencies

• Creation of 9-12 Developmental Counseling Program

• Contribute to Effective Operation of the School

 Pursue Continuous Professional Growth

The Guidance Office is open every school day for students or parents who wish to browse in the college catalog. A reference shelf for parents is also available. It contains various books and pamphlets to assist parents in financial aid planning, and in maximizing their relationship with their teenager(s).

Detailed information can be found in the “Course of Study” books available in the Guidance Office and the library regarding:

• Sequences

• Courses Offered

• Graduation Requirements

• Required Courses

• Course Description

The Guidance Office prepares and distributes grade level newsletters for students. These contain important information and should be shared with parents. Counselors also have lists of important dates for juniors and seniors regarding College Board Testing, financial aid forms, and scholarships.

Psychological Services

In addition to the Guidance staff, we have a school psychologist and a school social worker to assist students with learning problems or personal problems, which interfere with their school success.

Students may make an appointment to either of these people on their own, or the school staff, parents or other agencies with which the students may have contact may refer them. ALL REFERRALS AND CONTACTS ARE KEPT IN COMPLETE CONFIDENCE.

We also have Committee on Special Education (CSE) to serve students with any kind of disability, which may affect school performance.

Health Services

One of the most important functions of school is our health program. Students in grade seven and ten are given an annual health appraisal, which would include the following:

• A complete physical screening by our school physician.

• A vision examination by school nurse.

• A hearing examination by school nurse (Audiometer used).

• All required immunization will be enforced through the nurse.

All members of our athletic teams are kept under constant supervision by the health department. The school nurse takes charge of any sickness or other emergency situation that might occur in school. The school nurse also works with the attendance officer in determining reasons for a student’s absence. The school nurse arranges clinics for students that might be beneficial to the child’s health (immunization or orthopedic clinics would be an example)

Prescription Medicine

It is the recommendation of the N.Y. State Bureau of Health Service that no internal medication be dispensed or administered to any child by school personnel. Under certain unusual circumstances, when it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours, the school nurse may administer the medication if the parent submits a written request and it is accompanied by written request from a physician in whom he/she indicates the frequency and dosage of prescribed medication. Such medication is to be bought to the school health office in its original container by the parent or guardian.

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