Guidance and Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

How do school counselors help students?
What is considered confidential?
How can I get a referral to an outside agency?
How does my child make an appointment to see his school
counselor?
My student is having a conflict in class with another
student or the teacher, or is questioning his/her grade in class. What
should I do?
How does a high school student get a copy of his
transcript?
How can I get help in a class if I need it?
What are some things I can do as a parent to help my
child to be successful?
As a student, what can I do to be successful?
How
can I find out about scholarships?
How do
school counselors help students?
School counselors are trained listeners and problem solvers and can provide
students with a safe and supportive place to bring up any concerns they may
be experiencing. They have observed many students work through the
challenges of growing up and are qualified to advise students about course
selection, post-high school planning and career development.
What is
considered confidential?
School
counselors have a primary obligation to the student and as such students can
feel secure in knowing that information shared with the counselor will
remain confidential. There are times, though, when counseling professionals
in all settings are required to disclose information. These instances
include:
How can I
get a referral to an outside agency?
School
counselors can make connections to outside agencies or professionals who can
assist students and their families. For a list of resources, please contact
your child’s school counselor.
How does my
child make an appointment to see his school counselor?
Students are encouraged to see their counselors before school, during
non-academic courses, or after school. Walk-ins are always welcome; however,
students should try not to miss an academic or elective class unless an
issue requires immediate attention. Each counselor has an appointment forms
and students are encouraged to use one when possible. Parents are also
welcome to meet with counselors, but, in order to insure counselor
availability, please make an appointment.
My student
is having a conflict in class with another student or the teacher, or is
questioning his/her grade in class. What should I do?
It is best to contact the classroom teacher directly first. If they don't
resolve the problem, contact your child’s school counselor and a meeting can
be arranged to explore the matter further.
How does a
high school student get a copy of his transcript?
To get an official transcript, fill out a transcript request form with Mrs.
Girlinghouse (H130). Transcripts may not be readily available. Please allow
time for processing.
How can I
get help in a class if I need it?
Talk to your teacher either after class or before school. If you are
confused about the subject matter, try to have some specific questions in
mind. Teachers often provide help directly to students after school. Be sure
to take advantage of any review sessions that teachers offer before tests.
What are
some things I can do as a parent to help my child to be successful?
One of the most important steps you can take is to arrange an evening
schedule which guarantees that a consistent homework time will occur. At
least 1 to 1.5 hours every night should be expected in middle and high
school respectively. Homework time should be uninterrupted by phone calls,
TV, etc. Many students resist the idea of this uninterrupted time, but
parents should emphasize that high school courses are challenging, and
learning the material may require more concentration and rehearsal than your
son or daughter is accustomed to. Students should allow plenty of time each
night to review reading assignments and material that was covered in class.
Parents should email teachers directly if there are questions or concerns.
All faculty email addresses are published in the parent/student handbook and
on the website.
Ask your son and daughter specific questions about school. Make school, a
regular topic of discussion in your home. Be sure to attend parent nights
and open houses that occur throughout the year.
Encourage your son or daughter to participate in the many clubs and
activities that ULS has to offer. Opportunities are announced every day, and
a list of potential clubs is included in the handbook.
As a
student, what can I do to be successful?
Attend class every day. If you are ill, make sure to see the teacher to find
out what you missed. Develop your own system to keep track of assignments
and due dates. Have a study plan at home with the following guidelines.
a. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed by phone calls, family
activities, TV, or other distractions.
b. Plan on studying at least an hour and a half each night in middle and
high school. Remember to not only do the written homework, but also complete
reading assignments and review notes from lectures and labs every night.
c. Get to know your school counselor and take an active role in planning
your schedule.
d. Make careful decisions about your class selections by considering teacher
recommendations, your own pattern of strengths and weaknesses, and your
future goals.
e. Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, participating in an
exercise program, and staying connected to friends, your parents, and school
staff.
How can I
find out about scholarships?
A listing of
scholarships may found on the school webpage under student resources.
|