Vision

The vision of the North Star Elementary School’s counseling program is that all students develop into productive, resilient, ethical, and contributing members of society, understanding that post-secondary education is necessary for life-long learning. This is guided by our commitment for all students who enroll in our school to graduate from high school, be fluent in two languages, be prepared and inspired to continue their education so that they can become successful citizens in their community.

Mission

The mission of North Star Elementary School counseling department is to pursue academic and behavioral excellence by creating a safe, equitable and accessible environment resulting in measured continuous improvement. Through participation in a comprehensive school counseling program, all students will develop essential academic, career and social/emotional skills that lead them to develop a passion for learning and the capacity to overcome real-world challenges to be successful leaders.

The role of a school counselor, as outlined by the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) national model, encompasses various responsibilities to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. Here's a summary with bulleted points:

• Academic Guidance:

  • Assist students in developing academic goals and plans.

    Guide course selection and career pathways.

    Monitor and address academic progress and challenges.

• Social-Emotional Support:

  • Foster a positive school environment conducive to emotional well-being.

    Offer counseling services to address students' social and emotional concerns.

    Promote interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

• Career Development:

  • Facilitate exploration of career options and interests.

    Provide information on post-secondary education and career pathways.

    Assist in developing career-related skills and goals.

• Individual and Group Counseling:

  • Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to address personal challenges.

    Facilitate group counseling sessions for specific issues or concerns.

    Implement interventions to enhance students' social skills.

• Advocacy and Collaboration:

  • Advocate for students' needs within the school community.

    Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success.

    Play a key role in creating a positive and inclusive school culture.

• Crisis Intervention:

  • Provide immediate support and intervention during crises.

    Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address emergencies.

    Implement strategies to help students cope with traumatic events.

• Data Analysis and Assessment:

  • Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs.

    Analyze academic and behavioral trends to inform decision-making.

    Continuously evaluate and improve counseling services based on outcomes.