The Cherry Creek School District is proud to employ licensed school counselors at the secondary level (middle and high school). Each middle and high school site has a team of dedicated school counselors who are equipped and prepared to work with and support you on a variety of issues; academic, social-emotional or career/ college-preparedness. School counselors are essential to helping shape and support a positive school culture and can support you in planning for your life after middle and high school.

What do School Counselors do?

School counselors are, at a minimum, master’s-level, licensed professionals who are uniquely qualified to support you by offering a combination of direct and indirect services that fall into the following three domains: Academic, Social-emotional and Career/College planning. School counselors develop comprehensive counseling curriculum focused on student outcomes that teach student competencies and that are delivered in a professional manner. Through the leadership, collaboration and advocacy of school counselors, equity and access to rigorous academic experiences are promoted.

In addition to student and family support, school counselors may be club sponsors after school, collect and analyze data, collaborate with college and career professionals, develop community relationships, provide support to the mental health team, serve on leadership teams or district committees and volunteer as crisis team members. Your school counselor could also be your 504 manager, consult on Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) meetings and are participants in meetings to support students who may have an individualized education plan (IEP).

When should I see my school counselor?

School counseling models vary from school to school; some school counseling teams prefer an alphabetical model and others prefer a grade-level or hybrid model to meet the needs of the student population. You have an assigned school counselor to support your academic, social-emotional and career/college needs. School counselors have designed comprehensive curriculum to meet your needs in a variety of ways: direct, face-to-face meetings, small and/or large group sessions, classroom meetings or via indirect services. During your time in school, you will have scheduled times to meet with your school counselor. However, if you have a need or concern, you are encouraged to schedule a time to talk with your school counselor.

American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

Vision
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is the foundation that expands the image and influence of school counselors through advocacy, leadership, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA empowers school counselors with the knowledge, skills, linkages and resources to promote student success in the school, the home, the community and the world.

Mission
The mission of ASCA is to represent school counselors and to promote professionalism and ethical practices.

The Role of School Counselors

The role of the school counselor is to be the student's best advocate. While the caseloads and duties may vary from school-to-school, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a 1:250 school counselor to student ratio. ASCA has provided the following statement and a sample list of counselor-appropriate duties.

ASCA's Role of School Counselors