About School Counselors
What is the focus of a school counselor?
The primary role of a School Counselor is to help improve student outcomes in all aspects of their lives. School Counselors help students learn and apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for a multitude of postsecondary options. To learn more about the role of the School Counselor, please click here.
Do School Counselors Make Mental Health Diagnoses?
School Counselors do not make mental health diagnoses. They do, however, use direct observation, input from parents, teachers and other staff, and information from the student to create a portrait of the student in the school environment. This information is used by the counselor in conjunction with the teachers to determine strategies to help the student to be more successful in as many facets of life as possible.
How is a school counselor different from a therapist?
School Counselors help students learn and apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for a multitude of postsecondary options. Through this, they are available to meet with students on a short term, as needed basis. Therapists and outside counselors work with clients to address long term goals and meet greater mental health needs. The School Counselor is an incredible asset to outside mental health professionals, and often work as a conduit for students who are in need of more consistent services.
Do School Counselors communicate with Teachers and Parents?
In addition to working with students, School Counselors also work to help parents and teachers solve problems, too. For example, they might help parents set up outside counseling for their child, or offer suggestions for problems that are happening at home. They might work with teachers to set up behavior plans for students who are having trouble behaving in class, or brainstorm different strategies to help a student get the most out of their classes. School Counselors, teachers, and parents often work in close collaboration to meet students' needs.
General Questions
How Can I schedule a meeting with my counselor?
Students are always able to stop in the counseling office, but there may be times where their School Counselor is not available. In those cases, the Counseling Secretary may make an appointment for a student. If a student wishes to be proactive, they can schedule an appointment themselves by using the button on this page. This service is linked to live calendars so students can see the times that counselors are free.
How Does my student get referred to the counselor?
Students can see their School Counselor via self-referral, parental request, request of the counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral.
How many school counselors work at LHS?
There are currently two counselors employed at Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School. They alternate grade levels, and follow their students from 7th grade all the way to graduation.
Will You notify me if you speak to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. State law and ethical practice requires notification of appropriate adults (admin, parent, law enforcement, CPS, etc.) in instances of risk to self, risk to others, or if a student is in danger. Confidentiality is an important component of the student/counselor relationship, and the School Counselors at Lakeland work very hard to maintain the trust of their students.
Am i in trouble if i see the school counselor?
Students will never be in trouble if they are called to see the School Counselor. There may be times where a student sees the School Counselor for a "negative" reason (peer conflict, behavior issues, academic struggles), but the intention is always to help a student navigate that struggle. If that struggle continues, the School Counselor may refer a student to administration, but only if consistent efforts are failing. School Counselors are meant to work as advocates for all students - to listen to all sides of every story and find the best possible solution for all parties involved. The School Counseling office is always meant to be a safe environment for all students.
What is our CEEB/School Code?
Our CEEB code is 391925. This code is issued by Educational Testing Service and is used for SAT and ACT testing. College applications also may request the code.
Academics
Can a student receive high school credit for courses taken in junior high?
Students may not earn credit for courses taken in junior high. High school credit is only earned in grades 9-12.
How many advanced placement courses can a student take?
Students should consider the increased time needed to successfully handle the rigor of AP courses, and not select more AP courses than they can realistically handle. AP courses are college level courses. Students may enroll in any AP course for which they are qualified (most have strict pre-requisites to enroll), but should exercise judgment. There is no limit, but typically no more than two or three at any given time is suggested.
How MUch should a student study?
The answer depends on each student and their individual skills, challenges and course load. Every student has different needs for academic preparation. LHS suggests 1-2 hours minimum per school night. Students taking honors or AP courses will require additional study time. Study time is not simply homework. Students should review notes, work on projects, study for upcoming tests and quizzes, read, research, and more. College level studying is typically not assigned work, but practice to be ready for any examination.
What is dual enrollment?
Dual Enrollment is an educational opportunity for students to earn college credit while still in high school. Additional information about Dual Enrollment can be found on the this page.
How Does a student earn honor roll?
To be eligible for High Honors, a student must achieve a marking period average of 95% or above. A student may not have any grades below a "B" in any subject.
To be eligible for Honor Roll, a student must achieve minimum marking period average of 90%. A student may not earn a "D" or "F" in any subject. One "C" will be permitted but it must be offset by an "A" in a major subject. Two or more "C's" will not disqualify a student.
To be eligible for Honor Roll, a student must achieve minimum marking period average of 90%. A student may not earn a "D" or "F" in any subject. One "C" will be permitted but it must be offset by an "A" in a major subject. Two or more "C's" will not disqualify a student.
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