COUNSELING PROGRAM
PACE West currently has four counselors on staff, Mr. Tyrone (School Psychologist), Mr. Jason (School Social Worker), Ms. Anne (School Social Worker) and Ms. Wolf (School Social Worker). Mr. Tyrone and Mr. Jason are on staff full time. Ms. Anne is a part time counselor and Ms. Wolf is a part time counselor and part time teacher at PACE West. The counselors work with students to improve their behavioral and emotional functioning within the school setting. Services provided include group counseling, individual counseling and crisis counseling. In addition the counseling staff is responsible for participating in eligibility meetings and conducting the needed testing for the eligibility process.
The PACE West counselors provide both group and individual counseling to students on a broad range of issues. The counseling program incorporates several important concepts in its effort to assist students in their academic, personal/social and career development. To achieve this goal, the counseling program will:
- provide for student equity, access and support for academic success
- assist all students in achieving academic standards
- recognize that students need a personalized and development approach to learning and assist staff in identifying individual student needs
- assist in the development of a positive learning environment for students that is primarily preventative
- utilize a participatory approach to systematic planning, implementation, and evaluation of the counseling program and the school program as a whole
- utilize all available resources in the school and the community to meet the needs of student
COUNSELING GROUPS
All students at PACE West participate in a counseling group with age appropriate peers. These groups focus on a variety of themes relating to academic, career and personal issues such as communication skills, relationships, stress, self-esteem, procrastination, anger management and decision making. Many students find that counseling groups offer unique opportunities to increase self-awareness, try out new behaviors, and receive support from peers. Sharing ideas and coping strategies can be especially beneficial for students.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING SERVICES
Individual counseling is provided as required by the IEP and also when students express a desire to meet with the counselor in a one to one situation to address personal problems, concerns or questions. These problems are typically related to stress, depression, anxiety and relationships. In addition, counselors provide consultation to help students develop ways to enhance their academic performance, identify skills and interest, understand their career potential and define career goals.
GIRL'S GROUP
The girls that attend PACE West are given the opportunity to participate in a group that focuses on the unique needs of girls. This provides an opportunity for self-exploration and growth in areas such as life goals, relationships, changing roles, balancing demands and self-esteem. This group also provides additional support, focus and problem solving opportunities for adolescent and teen girls on issues specific to their own situations and development.
CRISIS COUNSELING
All students at PACE West may request the services of a counselor when they are experiencing emotional distress during the school day. Staff may also request that a student receive counseling if they are exhibiting signs of distress. These services are designed to help the student identify the current issue and develop coping strategies to be able to participate in the school program.
TRANSITION COUNSELING
Students who are participating in a transition program to their base school are provided with a group counseling situation which addresses the needs of this particular group. Students meet with other students also transitioning to their base school to discuss problems, stresses and develop the coping skills necessary to be successful in a less restrictive setting.
WORKING WITH FAMILIES
The counselors at PACE West are committed to working with the parents. They are available by phone and e-mail. Counselors are always willing to work with other mental health professionals who may be working with a student. We welcome the opportunity to share information and work collaboratively to help students be successful in the school environment. At least one of the counselors is in attendance at the Family Evening Events so parents have the opportunity to talk with them. Parents are always welcome to schedule meetings with the counselor to discuss their child's progress, especially regarding behaviors and coping skills.
