Getting to know your Student Services Personnel (SSP), by Alston Denton, School Counselor at Lebanon High School

We go by many names and most people refer to us a Guidance Counselors.  (FYI… School Counselors do not like this term.  As we do so much more than that, we are School Counselors)

We as school counselors are here to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.  School Counseling doesn’t just entail making schedule changes.  We are trained to be professional counselors and handle a variety of situations.

Here are some helpful tips that to help build positive relationships with your School Counselor:

1.       We wear many hats, but we are willing to help out wherever or whoever we can.

a.       Just know that sometimes we are bound to what our administration wants.

b.      Be patient with us.  As we wear a lot of hats, we try to finish everything as fast as we can.

2.       PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT STUDENTS!

a.       We don’t always get to see every student.  If you know of a student who is going through a rough time, let us know.

b.      If they need someone to talk to, if they are upset, if they make a statement that they want to hurt themselves or someone else, if they smell.

c.       We want to know about our students and teachers are the front line.  They see you more than us.

3.       If it should ever arise (let’s hope not), but if a student discloses something to you that should be reported to DCS, please don’t bring them to us to fill out the report or tell us secondhand to fill out the report.  You are still required by law to make the report. 

a.       From a school counseling perspective, I don’t mind helping a student through a situation and if something comes up that warrants a DCS referral – I will make one.

b.      But I don’t want you to get in trouble for not filing one.  We will be happy to sit with you and help you fill one out.

4.       It’s ok to say, “No.”

a.       For instance, sometimes we will call for students to come to the Counseling Center.  If that student needs to work on something like a test or something crucial, please let us know.  We don’t want to be a constant reason they are missing class.

b.      Likewise typically when we call for students it might be urgent, please let them come. But if there ever is a question, feel free to call or email us.

c.       I don’t want you as the teacher to be upset at the counselor for us calling down a student.