While DC is not a counseling
center, our counselors have advanced degrees and experience
in helping young people and adults with a wide variety of concerns.
School counselors are available for all students throughout
the
school day. School counselors observe biblical principles,
the professional ethical standards of the American School Counselor
Association, and the legal parameters of The Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 for student records and confidentiality.
Throughout
the year various seminars/workshops on guidance-related topics
are offered for both parents and students. For
information
about upcoming seminars check the What's
Happening link or
contact the Guidance Office.
Elementary School
The elementary guidance program provides services through
classroom instruction, workshops for parents and students,
consultation
with teachers and parents, and individual counseling with
students. Our goal is for students to develop a godly perspective
in all
areas of their personal development. This program is coordinated
by the school psychologist who also provides individual assessment
on a referral basis.
The guidance program seeks to bring consistency
to our school-wide approach in addressing developmental issues
across grade
levels. In grades 2 through 5 students participate in training
to develop
biblical conflict resolution skills that can then be applied
as needed in real situations at school. Our elementary discipline
approach is based on the concepts that choices have consequences,
respectful communication involves the right words, the affects
of tone of voice and body language, and that we, as teachers,
are accountable
to be clear and consistent in our expectations of students.
A
workshop night called, "I'm Fearfully and Wonderfully
Made,"
is offered to 4th and 5th graders and their parents which
covers topics such as puberty, the miracle of life, God's
design for the family, and personal hygiene.
Since the elementary
classrooms are self-contained, the guidance staff seeks
to provide support and resources for teachers
to be better equipped to deal with individual concerns.
Individual counseling with students is also available as needed.
Referrals
for help outside of school can also be made to parents.
Middle
School
Several teachers and counselors work with middle school
students in group, gender-based guidance classes and
provide individual guidance
and counseling sessions. Personal and interpersonal issues,
academic development issues, and life planning topics
are addressed within
a biblical context.
High School
Academic counseling is provided for each high school
student. Students are assisted with their course
selection for each
new school year. The Guidance Center works closely
with faculty
to ensure appropriate placement in regular, honors
and/or AP courses.
School counselors meet with juniors and
their parents to discuss the college planning process.
Please see our College
& Career Resources link for
more information. Counselors
customize their services
to each family's unique questions and concerns,
discuss
financial aid and scholarship options, orient students
and parents
to the video, print and computer resources available
in the Guidance Center and
talk about
the practical issues of the college exploration
process.
These meetings are scheduled by appointment, through
the guidance staff,
following attendance at one of the Sophomore/Junior
Parent College Planning Seminars.
Interested juniors and seniors are invited to visit
with the many college
representatives that visit DC. The guidance staff
will scan college applications for completeness, submit them
to a counselor
for his or her input, recommendation, etc., and
send
them with a transcript
and school profile to college admission offices
or
scholarship organizations.
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