About the Counseling Department

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    IF YOUR CHILD WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH A COUNSELOR, PLEASE HAVE HIM/HER FILL OUT THIS FORM:                                

    https://forms.gle/3GYr7eZxh9yQETT9A

     

    PHILOSOPHY

    The counselors at Weddington Middle School believe that all students should be treated with dignity and respect, and have the right to participate in the school counseling program which is planned and coordinated by full-time, state-certified, master's degree level school counselors. We believe that the needs of all students at Weddington Middle School should be addressed when planning and implementing the school counseling program.

    We believe the counselors should abide by the ethical standards as advocated by the American School Counselor Association. We believe the counselors should pursue opportunities to develop their professional competencies to ensure the provision of a quality school counseling program.

    MISSION STATEMENT

    Our mission in the Weddington Middle School Counseling office is to provide services that will support and enhance the personal growth and development of our students. Services offered are tailored to assist students in meeting their personal goals while maintaining the high standards of Union County Public Schools.

    School counselors are professional school advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with other educators, parents/ guardians and the community, Weddington Middle School Counselors facilitate the support system to enable all students at Weddington to experience educational success. We provide professional services in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development. Through the school counseling program, students are given the opportunity to become successful learners, responsible citizens, and productive members of a global society.

      

    There are any number of reasons for children to seek out a counselor at school. The times that we live in can be difficult and stressful. Many personal and school related problems have a direct impact on a child's ability to learn. School counselors provide a safe, confidential environment for all students.

    The school counselor has a very unique role in the school. They are often responsible for a wide variety of activities and services. Among other things, school counselors are available to:

    o talk to students individually and in groups about their educational, personal, and social concerns

    o aid teachers and parents in helping children

    o assist in crisis situations

    o help students develop self-understanding and self-esteem

    o plan and implement various classroom activities

    o coordinate the North Carolina End of Grade Testing program

    o act as a consultant and referral source between school, parents, and community

    o coordinate efforts with other school person

    o maintain confidentiality (in most cases)

    Confidentiality Statement

    School counselors recognize their primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives (ASCA Code of Ethics).

    The role of the school counselor in regards to confidentiality is:

    o To support the students right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardian and staff members

    o To explain the meaning and limits of confidentiality to students in developmentally appropriate terms

    o To provide appropriate disclosure and informed consent regarding the counseling relationship and confidentiality

    o To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when: Student poses a danger to self or others, Court ordered disclosure, Consultation with    other professionals in support of the student i.e. colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel

    o To keep personal notes separate from educational records and not disclose their contents except when privacy exceptions exist

    o To seek guidance from supervisors and appropriate legal advice when their records are subpoenaed

    o To assert their belief that information shared by students is “confidential” and should not be revealed without the student’s consent

    o To adhere to all laws protecting student records, health information, and special services (i.e., HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA)

     

     

  • Confidentiality Statement

    School counselors recognize their primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives (ASCA Code of Ethics).

    The role of the school counselor in regards to confidentiality is:

    • To support the students right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardian and staff members
    • To explain the meaning and limits of confidentiality to students in developmentally appropriate terms
    • To provide appropriate disclosure and informed consent regarding the counseling relationship and confidentiality
    • To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when: Student poses a danger to self or others, Court ordered disclosure, Consultation with other professionals in support of the student i.e. colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel
    • To keep personal notes separate from educational records and not disclose their contents except when privacy exceptions exist
    • To seek guidance from supervisors and appropriate legal advice when their records are subpoenaed
    • To assert their belief that information shared by students is “confidential” and should not be revealed without the student’s consent
    • To adhere to all laws protecting student records, health information, and special services (i.e., HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA)