School counselors define the program focus through a vision statement, mission statement, and through professional and student standards established by the American School Counselor Association (2019). They collect data from educational stakeholders to determine academic, social-emotional, and behavioral goals in alignment with the district school-improvement plan. Through this data collection, school counselors seek to improve educational outcomes including student achievement and attendance.
The vision of the Union 7th Grade Center School Counseling Department is to actively engage every student in their academic, social, and career development so they are empowered to achieve their full potential. We aim to prepare each student to thrive as lifelong learners, contributing to their communities as compassionate, responsible, and innovative individuals. The school counseling department instills values in which all students embrace equity, celebrate diversity, and are inspired to create a better future for themselves and the world.
The mission of the Union 7th Grade Center School Counseling Department is to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven program that fosters the academic, career, and social/emotional development of every student. We are committed to creating a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment where all students feel supported and empowered. Through advocacy, partnership with families and the surrounding community, and a focus on removing barriers to success, U7 school counselors prepare students for high school graduation and meaningful opportunities in college, career, and life.
School counselors implement strategies and activities to promote academic success by fostering strong work habits such as organization, time management, goal-setting, and self-motivation. They provide academic support and ensure equitable access to advanced coursework and necessary resources. By collaborating with teachers, families, and administrators, counselors help remove barriers to learning while equipping students with problem-solving and self-advocacy skills to take ownership of their education and future goals.
School counselors help prepare students for a bright future by providing programs that develop college and career readiness skills. They foster a connection between school and future success by guiding students in building independence, exploring job interests, and identifying pathways that align with their personal goals. Through individualized support and school-wide initiatives, school counselors help students set achievable goals and make informed decisions about their future.
School counselors use established standards to develop social-emotional goals that help students build resilience, manage a range of emotions, and strengthen social skills when interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds. Through targeted lessons and interventions, they equip students with the tools to navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and develop self-awareness. By fostering a supportive environment, school counselors empower students to grow into confident, empathetic individuals who can thrive both in and out of the classroom
Students will see this poster displayed in my office
The American School Counseling Association's position is to prioritize students' rights to privacy in the counseling setting while balancing parental/guardian rights to be the "guiding voice" for their child (ASCA, 2022). I work towards building positive and trusting relationships with students and families, therefore what is shared remains private within the school counselor and student relationship.
Please note the following limitations to confidentiality due to the ethical and legal responsibilities I uphold as a school counselor and mandated reporter. "Confidentiality may be breached when necessary to prevent serious and foreseeable harm to students or others or to comply with legal requirements, including state and local laws and school district policies, " (ASCA, 2022).
Additionally, The 2023 Oklahoma “Parents’ Bill of Rights” (OAC 210:10-2-1, et seq.), requires the district to disclose to a student’s parent/guardian any information known to the district or its employees regarding material changes reasonably expected to be important to the parent/guardian regarding their student’s health, social, or psychological development, including identity information. Disclosure of this information shall occur within 30 days of learning the information. “Identity information” means information including, but not limited to, any names or pronouns used by a student at school and any social transition or other transition to a gender that differs from the student’s sex. “Sex” means the physical condition of being male or female based on genetics and physiology, as identified on the individual’s original birth certificate. Please read section "Parental Rights" for additional information.
American School Counselor Association. (2022). Ethical standards for school counselors. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Click to read more about the Oklahoma State Board of Education Parental Rights
Click to read more about Union Public School's Parental Bill of Rights
American School Counselor Association. (2022). Ethical standards for school counselors. Alexandria, VA: Author.