The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement." (ASCA, The Role of the Professional School Counselor).

Stafford County Public Schools School Counseling Program

Together with parents and educators, Stafford County’s school counselors assist all students to respond to educational, career development, and social and emotional needs. Children’s lives are constantly changing and their lives are affected by today’s societal issues. Such issues may cause children to have difficulty achieving their academic potential. All students can benefit from the assistance provided by a school counselor.

The overall goal of the school counseling program of the Stafford County Public Schools is to help young people develop to their maximum potential and to enhance their lives, for their future is our future. The Counseling and Guidance program is preventative in its focus and is based upon the developmental stages of students in grades K-12. Because student needs vary at different age levels, the areas of emphasis will vary accordingly. The program builds a foundation for learning in the following areas:

Academic and Educational Area:

• orientation/transition to the educational environment;
• pursuit of a planned and balanced academic program consistent with abilities, interests and educational needs;
• resolution of problems which interfere with learning;
• awareness of academic abilities, strengths, needs and interests;
• awareness of curricular alternatives, graduation requirements, and career goals;
• awareness of academic and career opportunities after high school.

Career Area:

• awareness of, and knowledge about, the world of work and career;
• acquisition of information about educational and vocational/training opportunities with and beyond high school;
• use of knowledge of self as it relates to career planning; establishment of tentative career objectives;
• preparation for future education and employment.

Personal/Social Area:

• development of increased self-understanding;
• establishment of positive relationships through effective communication skills;
• acquisition of problem-solving/decision-making and coping skills;
• encouragement of self-directive and responsible behavior;
• understanding the need for positive attitudes toward school, learning, community, and society.

School counselors abide by the professional ethical standards of the Virginia/American School Counselor Association and the Virginia/American Counselor’s Association. School Counselors’ relationships with others comply with all laws, policies, and ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality. Information and records of personal and social counseling with students are kept confidential and separate from a student’s educational records and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior parent consent or as otherwise provided by law.

Together with parents and educators, Stafford County’s school counselors assist all students to respond to educational, career development, and social and emotional needs. Children’s lives are constantly changing and their lives are affected by today’s societal issues. Such issues may cause children to have difficulty achieving their academic potential. All students can benefit from the assistance provided by a school counselor.

Program Goals and Areas

The overall goal of the school counseling program of Stafford County Public Schools is to help young people develop to their maximum potential and to enhance their lives, for their future is our future. The Counseling program is preventative in its focus and is based upon the developmental stages of students in grades K-12. Because student needs vary a different age levels, the areas of emphasis will vary accordingly. The program builds a foundation for learning within the Academic, Career and Social Emotional domains.

If maintained, information and records or personal/social counseling shall be kept confidential and separate from a student's educational record and not disclosed to third parties without prior parental consent or as otherwise provided by law.

What is a school counselor's role?

• School Counselors are licensed professionals trained in:
  • human development;
  • career information and development;
  • tests and measurements;
  • social and cultural issues.
• School Counselors are skilled in:
  • individual counseling;
  • group counseling;
  • consultation;
  • classroom guidance.
• School counselors provide a program which includes:
  • preventative services;
  • developmental activities;
  • individual counseling;
  • small group counseling;
  • classroom guidance lessons;
  • information services;
  • referral assistance.
• School Counselors’ training:
  • includes that specified by the Virginia Board of Education licensing requirements for school counselors;
  • includes counseling techniques which are part of their professional training; but does not include those prohibited by school policy, such as hypnosis or psychotherapeutic techniques typically used for treatment of mental illness or psychopathology.
  • includes a commitment to abide by all professional ethical and legal standards including confidentiality.

Annual Notice to Parents and Guardians for the Participation of Students in the School Counseling Program

A parent or guardian has the right to determine their student’s participation in the Stafford County Public Schools’ Counseling program as described above. In the event that a parent or guardian wishes to eliminate or exclude participation of a student in any or all aspect of the Program, the parent or guardian may provide written notification to the principal of a school within fifteen (15) days of the publication of this notice. The family’s written notice must state specifically the goals or areas of program from which the student is to be excluded.