The mission of the school counseling program of Lawton Elementary and Middle School is to systematically provide the support and information necessary that students need in acquiring skills to achieve academic and social/emotional success. School counselors work directly with students, collaborate with teachers and parents, and coordinate necessary community resources to assist in maximizing academic and social capabilities. School counselors are advocates for all students to ensure equal access to educational programs and resources while working to reduce and eliminate barriers that students face while reaching their potential.
I believe:
- All students can be successful.
- School counselors are an integral part of multiple, collaborative teams that are working to ensure student success.
- The school counselor is a safe person with whom students can share concerns, accomplishments, and personal goals.
- School counselors must actively identify and provide additional support for children with at risk characteristics.
- School counselors must adhere to the professional and ethical standards of the Michigan School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association.
- School counselors must set goals based on ASCA competencies and school data, provide quality work, and monitor data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
- Participate in professional development activities designed to increase their knowledge and skills in the school counseling field.
- Be preventative in nature and developmentally appropriate for all students.
- Utilize a team approach to eliminate barriers in school achievement.
- Conduct activities that contribute to the development of a positive school climate.
- Help students develop a healthy self-concept and an acceptance of individual differences.
Philosophy Statement
As a school counselor, I believe that all students have the right to maximize their academic, social/emotional, and career development. All students have the right to strive to do their best in an accepting, diverse, and respectful learning environment. All students have equal access to the counselor and the services the school counselor provides. I place high value on every student as a unique individual while celebrating students of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations, and special needs. Students benefit by learning and experiencing these different cultures and I believe the school counselor must provide a safe place for all students to seek support.
The school counseling program is based on goals and developmental student mindsets and behaviors outlined by the American School Counselor Association. Classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and individual counseling sessions will be developed using these mindsets and behaviors. I believe that the school counseling program needs to provide services that are developmentally appropriate and adaptable to student and school needs. The program will use data driven and proactive interventions while continuously being evaluated by school and district supervisors. Participating in ongoing improvement through professional development, collaboration and consultation, and self-assessment assists in providing the most innovative services for student success. Ongoing supervision adheres to the ethical guidelines of the American School Counselor Association to provide services that are in the best interest of the students.
I am the bridge between students, teachers, and administrators using every opportunity to discuss academic, career, and social/emotional development and collaborate to support students. In addition, encouraging parental involvement and partnership is imperative in providing further opportunities for students to do their best. An intentional school counseling program must be developed and implemented for under-served student populations while promoting supportive services to the entire student population. Furthermore, I believe that every student can achieve success and can thrive in the school environment with these identified supports.
The school counseling program is based on goals and developmental student mindsets and behaviors outlined by the American School Counselor Association. Classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and individual counseling sessions will be developed using these mindsets and behaviors. I believe that the school counseling program needs to provide services that are developmentally appropriate and adaptable to student and school needs. The program will use data driven and proactive interventions while continuously being evaluated by school and district supervisors. Participating in ongoing improvement through professional development, collaboration and consultation, and self-assessment assists in providing the most innovative services for student success. Ongoing supervision adheres to the ethical guidelines of the American School Counselor Association to provide services that are in the best interest of the students.
I am the bridge between students, teachers, and administrators using every opportunity to discuss academic, career, and social/emotional development and collaborate to support students. In addition, encouraging parental involvement and partnership is imperative in providing further opportunities for students to do their best. An intentional school counseling program must be developed and implemented for under-served student populations while promoting supportive services to the entire student population. Furthermore, I believe that every student can achieve success and can thrive in the school environment with these identified supports.
Nichole Sparks, MA, LLPC, NCC
Lawton Elementary and Middle School Counselor
[email protected]
269-624-7607
Lawton Elementary and Middle School Counselor
[email protected]
269-624-7607