Counseling Services
The following programs and services are available through the high school counseling department:
Career and College Planning
The school counseling department has a number of career and college planning resources, which are available to students through the Pathways Career Center located in the rear of the IMC between the high school and middle school. BRIDGES, a computer based program, provides up-to-date career and college information. One stop shopping for career and college planning can also be found on the Internet at www.educationplanner.org. A wide selection of college videotapes and catalogs are available in the Pathways Career Center.
Course Selection
A school counselor can help students and parents decide what kind of program is best suited to each student's goals, needs, and abilities. Students are encouraged to select one of four career pathways and create their four-year career plans with their counselor. This document forms the basis for course selection during the student's four years of high school leading to a successful adult life. Parents who wish to meet with the school counselor to assist their child in formulating this plan should call the school counseling office to make an appointment.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
The best way for parents to determine how their child is doing in class is to contact the teacher via telephone or email and may request a parent/teacher conference. The counselor can arrange for parents to meet with one or more teachers if so desired. Frequently a telephone call or an email to a teacher may be all that is necessary and can be very beneficial to have questions answered. Teachers? email addresses are located on the school website.
Teacher/Student Conferences
Many times what appears to be a big problem is really just a misunderstanding. Teachers are eager to help students, and very often a ten-minute conference with a counselor and teacher is all that is necessary to solve a problem. Students should inform counselors or administrators if they feel there is a need for a teacher/student conference. Likewise, the counselor or teacher will suggest one when it is necessary.
Group Counseling
As a part of a comprehensive counseling program, student support groups are available to provide aid for adolescents. These groups give students the opportunity to express their concerns, to receive peer support, and to develop constructive strategies for addressing their concerns. It is anticipated that these support groups can address concerns and assist students in their daily activities, both in school and out of school. Students volunteer to participate in these groups and discuss a variety of adolescent issues. Scheduling for group counseling sessions at each instructional level is based on the availability of facilitators and student needs. Every effort is made to have students miss as little academic instruction as possible.
College Visitations
As a segment of the school counseling department's career/educational planning service, the counselors invite numerous college/university representatives to meet with students who have an interest in the visiting school. Sessions are scheduled throughout any given school term, although most colleges visit the district during the first semester. Notification of a visitation occurs via morning announcements, and posting on the High School website. Please use the following link https://tinyurl.com/EAHSCollegeVisits to sign up to visit with the colleges. You will get an e-hall pass for the visit.
Financial Aid
The school counseling department offers assistance to students who seek financial aid to attend a post-secondary school. The school counseling department advertises, through newsletters, bulletin boards and announcements, the availability of college and community scholarships. A financial aid night is held each year. Please look for the date on the website, newsletter, or contact the school counseling office. During this session, resource people will provide an overview of the timeline, procedures and prospects for securing financial aid. All necessary paperwork, both state and federal, is available in the school counseling office. School counselors advise students and parents on the completion of the application process.
Military Recruiters
All branches of armed services, including the Reserves and ROTC programs, may visit with or call any individual students unless a form denying permission is submitted to the counseling office. This form is included in the Virtual Backpack for 10th and 11th grade students. If a form is not submitted, it is assumed that the school may release the student’s name to the armed services. The military recruiters set up an informational table once monthly in the school cafeteria
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
SAP, which stands for Student Assistance Program, is a confidential service. It provides help for students who have drug/alcohol and/or other personal problems which interfere with school activities. To refer yourself or someone you are concerned about, pick up a confidential referral form from any of the SAP team members, school counseling office, nurse's office, or the high school assistant principals' office.