Counseling
Elementary Counseling
The goal of the Elementary School Counseling program is to put proactive support in place that creates a positive and safe environment for all students. Counselors seek to address the developmental, emotional, and social needs of each and every elementary student by promoting academic achievement and social/emotional learning.
Elementary school counselors are educators trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management, and social skills. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development, and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. As part of a comprehensive school counseling program, there are four primary interventions– Counseling (small groups and individuals), classroom lessons, consultation, and coordination.
Middle School Counseling
ASA's Middle School Counseling Program focuses on facilitating the many transitions our students go through when they enter Middle School as well as helping the students and their families manage the emotional, psychological, and physical changes that children experience as they enter adolescence. In Middle School at ASA, advisory lessons are delivered to students through their elective courses. Topics addressed in advisory lessons include time and stress management, decision-making, interpersonal skills, communication skills, cross-cultural awareness, responsible behavior, and health issues, among others. The Middle School team periodically assesses materials and methodology used in order to make appropriate modifications for the advisory lessons.
The Counselor works with students individually, in small groups, and in classrooms to help them in both academic and social/emotional areas. The primary goal of individual counseling with students is to help them learn to monitor their own growth and development and to proactively make wise decisions. The Counselor addresses issues such as academic performance, behavior issues, social skills, bereavement, family concerns, and stress management. The Counselor also frequently consults with teachers, administrators, and parents about student issues. The Counselor provides administrative support to the Middle School Principal in the areas of student scheduling, staff development, parent education, admissions, testing and other administrative activities.
High School Counseling
The Counseling Department at ASA supports all students through a comprehensive and developmental approach that addresses the four domains outlined by the International Model for School Counseling – academic, personal/social, career, and global perspective. The well-articulated preK-12 counseling program provides instruction, support, and caring at every level. Services are provided to maximize the academic achievement of all students and promote the necessary skills, attitudes, and beliefs for all students to strengthen their unique capabilities and enable them to participate in a global society as responsible citizens.
To support our students and our community, our High School Counselor provides a variety of services using a developmental approach: