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Counseling Services

Overview

The Counseling Philosophy is based on the guiding principles that are used in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program.  Generally speaking, the programming behind the development of any or all services delivered will be based on the core character traits of the SEARCH Institute (Cooperation, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Citizenship, Fairness).  These guiding principles will provide education, prevention, early identification, and intervention to attempt to help all students achieve academic success.

The Comprehensive School Counseling Program will integrate the Counseling Philosophy, Vision, and Mission and will be delivered through the following currently identified and utilized modalities: school counseling curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services and counseling, as well as program support.

The Counseling Curriculum will be based on a variety of current curricula utilized by the school counselor which may include, but not be limited to:  Kelso for conflict resolution, Children Are People/Circle of Prevention, the Search Institutes pillars of character education traits, programming from the Council for Prevention,  The Responsive Classroom/Teaching Children to Care, the B.E.S.T. Program,  DLAM/Operation Respect, and “Skills for Growing.”  Through individual, small or large group, or classroom guidance sessions, curriculum will be delivered to students identified by the LGHS Child Study Team (CST).

  • Individual Activities:  Scheduled regular or short-term counseling as well as crisis intervention will present immediate and necessary skills to CST identified students.
  • Classroom Activities:  Lessons will be provided when appropriate and determined by the CST in small or large group classroom settings (ie- social skills, decision-making skills, etc.).
  • Group Activities:  The at-risk/intervention school counselor will conduct thematic units as well as conduct large group activities upon request of the CST to address students’ particular needs (ie- bullying-DLAM, peer relations, crisis management, time management, etc.).
  • Interdisciplinary Activities:  The at-risk / intervention school counselor will participate when directed on teams to drive or develop necessary curricula or strategies to help students (ie- CST, CSE, 504, full faculty, computer committee, local and state counselor meetings/workshops). 

School Counseling Curriculum

  • Education on understanding self and others, including positive self-esteem skills
  • Peer relationships, coping strategies, and effective social skills
  • Self-awareness leading to career awareness, exploration, and anticipatory planning
  • Academic support, including skill building
  • Communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
  • Goal setting and decision-making
  • Substance abuse prevention education
  • Diversity awareness, mutual acceptance, and appreciation of individual differences

Individual Student Planning

  • Education of understanding of self, including strengths/weaknesses/skills/interests
  • Academic planning and helping students to recognize individual progress
  • Goal Setting and decision-making for student success
  • Transitional planning

Responsive Services / Counseling

  • Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN)
  • Individual and small group counseling
  • Individual/family/school crisis intervention
  • Social Skill Training as requested by the CST based on identified need areas
  • Conflict resolution and crisis counseling as it occurs
  • Consultation/Collaboration
  • CST Referrals based on individual needs
  • The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act authorizes the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program and is the primary piece of federal legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. If your family is experiencing homelessness, please reach out to our McKinney-Vento Liaison.

System Support

  •  Professional Development via various medium (professional journals, staffing, workshops, in-service opportunities, ACA meetings, NYSSCA Conferences, active membership and connections to professional counseling organizations)
  • Teacher/Staff Consultation and information gathering
  • Connections with Community Agencies, Programs, Presentations, Newsletters, and Services
  • Parent/Community Outreach
  • Professional List serves
  • Internal and External Program Evaluations (formally and informally) to provide for program activities updates and to stay current with shifting trends

Elementary School Counseling Services

Learn about the Elementary School Counseling page and contact staff members.

Jr.-Sr. High School Counseling Services

Learn why school counselors are important, access career information, college planning resources, financial aid and Scholarships information and how to prepare a Student Resume on the Jr.-Sr. High School Counseling page.

Parent Resources

Enjoy some light reading on the following topics that may help you, your child, and/or your family to have more effective time together and enjoyable lifelong communications:

Departments & Services Links

View the LGCSD Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Plan

Elementary School Counselors

Zoe Chodak
School Counselor – Grades K-6
518-668-5714 
Zoe Chodak

Tori Coddington
Elementary School Social Worker – Grades K-6
518-668-5714  ext. 4006
Tori Coddington

Jenna Smith, K-12 Psychologist
518-668-5452 Ext. 4548
Jenna Smith

Jr.-Sr. High School Counselors

High School Counseling Center:
518-668-5452 Ext. 1226

High School Counseling Center Fax:
(518) 668-3796

Stephen Preuss
Counseling Department Chairperson
School Counselor – Grades 10-12
McKinney-Vento Liaison
518-668-5452 Ext. 1224
Stephen Preuss

Jennifer Dell’olio
School Counselor – Grades 7-9
518-668-5452 Ext. 1225
Jennifer Dell’olio

Jenna Smith, K-12 Psychologist
518-668-5452 Ext. 4548
Jenna Smith

Kristen Crisler
Counseling Center Administrative Assistant – Grades 7-12
518-668-5452 Ext. 1226
Kristen Crisler

Scott Smith
Social Worker – Grades 7-12
518-668-5452 Ext. 1229
Scott Smith