Vienna-Finley Elementary School counseling program received the Gold Star award in 2014.
Schools that have obtained the Indiana Gold Star status have demonstrated that they have a comprehensive and accountable school counseling and guidance program, aligned to Indiana School Counselor and Student Standards, as well as national (ASCA) standards. Participating schools and school counseling programs will implement a plan that includes the establishment of a program vision and mission, data-based accountability, standards-driven student guidance activities, counseling and advocacy, program management, the alignment of resources and an annual improvement plan.
School Counselors help students by . . .
- Promoting positive attitudes among students toward self, family, peers and community.
- Assisting students in learning how school performance relates to future opportunities.
- Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as healthy decision making, resolving conflicts and respecting others.
- Working collaboratively with students, parents and teachers to identify and remove barriers to learning.
- Supporting students by teaching skills for achieving success.
- Counseling with students individually and in groups.
- Providing support during personal crisis.
Counselors are the heart of the school by . . .
- Helping create a safe school environment where children can learn.
- Coordinating referrals to outside agencies.
- Helping design interventions to enhance student success.
- Helping parents, teachers, administrators in learning how to meet the needs of all students.
How does a student get to see the School Counselor?
- Self-referral
- Request of the counselor
- Parent referral
- Principal, teacher or other staff referral
- Referral by friend(s)
Students will not be seen by the counselor for individual or group counseling without parent/legal caregiver consent. Consent can be given verbally to the principal, the teacher, or to the counselor. Most generally, the counselor will send home a written permission slip. Permission can be withdrawn at anytime by parent request. Counseling and guidance services are available to all students.
Resources for parents and teachers