What Do Counselors Do?
Counselors advocate for students academic and socio-emotional needs. They meet with students, parents, teachers, and administration to come up with the best possible solutions to the problems students are facing. They do this in a variety of ways:
1. EVERY STUDENT
a. Counselors embrace the individuality of each student and want to help them be successful.
b. Programs in place for student success include: STAND Advisory, Study Skills classes, Accommodations for students with IEP's and 504's, and individual credit tracking for students who are deficient.
2. DATA
a. Counselors use data to drive programs and measure program effectiveness.
b. Through the use of data, counselors identify gaps and implement interventions to improve program effectiveness.
b. Counselors meet with teachers and administration to address concerns and find the best possible solutions for students who are struggling.
3. PLAN FOR CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS
a. Counselors meet with each junior individually to evaluate progress toward graduation, plan classes, and plan for post-graduation goals such as college and career.
b. Students may set up an optional appointment with the Scholarship Advisor to learn about types of scholarships, where to find scholarships, and scholarships that are currently open.
c. Counselors help students create and update their 4-year plan in mydsd to help them track their progress toward their goals.
d. Counselors help students explore college and post high school options through group presentations.
4. GUIDANCE CURRICULUM
a. Career Exploration, Layton High academic and extra-curricular opportunities.
b. Resilience, self-esteem, study skills and goal setting, mindfulness, implemented in STAND Advisory classes.
5. RESPONSIVE SERVICES
a. Counselors meet with students, parents, teachers and the administration to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. We are available to address concerns each day in a timely manner.
b. Some concerns include: personal issues, friends, suicidal thoughts, bullying, family crisis, grief and loss, transition and concerns with classes or teachers.
c. Counselors organize small groups for mindfulness, girls empowerment, or any other topic identified by our needs assessment.