This is a plan that has been designed to meet the educational needs of the Cambridge school community. A counseling program is one that is results-based, comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate, proactive, and designed to reach every student.
The Cambridge school counselors are leaders, advocates and educators within the school system. The counselors will collaborate with the development and application of the comprehensive school counseling program. Our collaboration is guided by the belief that our students are the priority; this notion has laid the groundwork for the development of the school counseling plan. A variety of direct and indirect support services, academic advising, skill-development supports, and classroom interventions are incorporated throughout the comprehensive guidance plan to facilitate student success across academic, career, social and emotional domains.
Our comprehensive school counseling model recognizes school counselors as integral participants in collaborating and facilitating student achievement. Collaboration stretches throughout the school and community, including teachers, administrators, community members, and families that all are considered to be integral stakeholders in our students’ success. Collaboration with these members provides direction for our work and program interventions. With the support of the superintendent, building principals, and the Board of Education, the Cambridge Central School counselors are able to implement the comprehensive school counseling program effectively.
School District Mission Statement
Cambridge Central School empowers our students with the knowledge, skills and values to pursue their goals and contribute positively to society throughout their lives.
Counseling Mission Statement
The mission of the Cambridge Central School Counseling Department is to provide and advocate for proactive, comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, and accessible assistance to all students that will focus on students’ academic and career goals, in addition to supporting their personal social and emotional needs. The services provided by the Cambridge Central School Counselors empowers students on their journey to leading fulfilling and accomplished lives, according to their individual goals.
Cambridge School Counselor Belief Statements
Counselors at Cambridge believe that students learn best when:
- Counselors serve as active, positive role models following ethical standards.
- Counselors advocate for all students.
- Counselors are responsive to students’ developmental needs.
- Personal responsibility for learning is encouraged and developed.
- Subject matters are researched, updated, and considered to be relevant and taught by well-prepared staff.
- Clear academic and behavioral expectations are communicated and understood.
- The school environment promotes respect, acceptance, and positivity.
- Their families are encouraged to take an active, supportive role in their education and basic human needs (shelter, nutrition) are met.
- Valid data is used to make informed decisions.
Student Competencies
As a result of a comprehensive counseling program, students should demonstrate the following mindsets and behavior as outlined by ASCA:
Academic Development
Standards guiding school counseling programs to implement strategies and activities to support and maximize each student’s ability to learn.
Career Development
Standards guiding school counseling programs to help students
- understand the connection between school and the world of work and
- plan for and make a successful transition from school to postsecondary education and/or the world of work and from job to job across the lifespan.
Social/Emotional Development
Standards guiding school counseling programs to help students manage emotions and learn and apply interpersonal skills.
With these standards in mind, school counselors assess student growth and development, plan and implement strategies and activities, and create a comprehensive program that helps students achieve their highest potential.
Cambridge Central School Counseling Department Delivery System
Direct Student Services
The counseling curriculum provides developmental activities that address academic, career, and social/emotional needs of students K-12. This may be accomplished through:
- Classroom Activities: school counselors present lessons in the classroom.
- Group Activities: school counselors conduct group activities outside of the classroom to address student’s particular needs.
Individual Student Planning
Counselors monitor students’ progress so they may achieve success in academic, social/emotional, and career areas. This may be accomplished through:
- Individual or Small Group Collaboration: Work with students in analyzing and evaluating abilities, interests, skills, and achievement.
- Individual or Small Group Advisement: Work directly with students on the development of long and short term goals in the areas of personal/social, academic, and career.
- Case Management: Monitor individual students’ progress.
- Placement: Collaborate with school staff in determining the best educational setting for students as they meet their academic and social goals.
Responsive Services
School counselors provide support and interventions to meet the needs of students. This may be accomplished through:
- Individual and/or Small Group Counseling: Counseling is provided for students experiencing social, emotional, personal, or academic difficulties.
- Crisis Counseling: Short term counseling that is provided to students, families or staff as an immediate intervention to a crisis.
Indirect Student Services
School counselors provide support through various pathways. This may be accomplished by:
- Referrals: School counselors provide families with a variety of resources, both inside and outside of school, to better serve our students.
- Consultation: School counselors collaborate with families, school staff and community agencies to develop appropriate interventions for students.
System Support
School counselors assess the effectiveness of the counseling program. This is accomplished through:
- Teaming: School counselors participate in district wide and building committees
- Professional Development: School counselors regularly participate in training, conferences, and meetings to update knowledge and skills.
- Program Promotion: School Counselors provide orientation and information regarding the programs to the greater community via websites, social media, newsletters and meetings.
- Program Management and Evaluation: School counselors collect and analyze data to evaluate the program and continue updating program activities.
School Counseling Plan Program Description
School Counseling Plan for Grades Kindergarten – Grade 6
- Target Population: students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 6.
- Expected outcomes regarding academics, students and parents will have access to information, activities, and strategies to maximize each student’s ability to learn. For career planning, students will understand the connections between grade Kindergarten through Grade 6 academic success, future Junior/High School academic success, and plan for a successful transition from Elementary School to Junior/High School and then to postsecondary education and/or employment.
- Students will effectively manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills.
- Evaluation Method(s): To be determined based on activity and district/building goals.
| Activities | Target Grades | Activity Description | Activity Timeframe | ASCA Domain | Objective/Measurable Outcome |
| Instructional Support Team (IST) | K-6 | Part of the Response to Intervention Plan-Weekly or monthly meeting with follow up for individual students as determined by meeting participants. Interventions are determined and monitored by team. | Throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Parent/Teacher Conferences | K-6 | Teachers, students, counselors and parents provide information and develop plans as needed for student improvement | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Individual Student Counseling | K-6 | Topic of meeting is addressed and follow up planned as needed | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Student Support Team (Monday’s Child) | K-6 | Weekly meeting to discuss individual students as determined by meeting participants | Throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Course selection presentations | 6 | School Counselors coordinate presentations for LOTE selection in Grade 6 going into Grade 7 | Spring | Academic | Student support via individual meetings |
| Team Meetings | K-6 | Counselors attend team meetings to collaborate with teachers regarding the academic success of students | Daily | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Counseling Groups | K-6 | Counselor with offer various counseling groups supporting student mental health | Throughout the school year | SED/Academic | Student support via small group counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Classroom Presentations | K-6 | Counselor will present various topics to students including Personal Safety | Throughout the school year | SED/Career | Student support via classroom counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Homeschool Coordinator | K-6 | Counselor will do yearly mailings to families, review IHIPs, insure that families are in compliance of State Mandates and track progress of individual students | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Orientation for new students | K-6 | Counselors assess student information from previous school, determine placement, meet with new student and family, and give building tours | August then ongoing throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via individual meetings |
| 6th to 7th grade transition meetings | 6 | Counselors will meet with 6th grade teachers to review any special needs of students entering 7th grade | May/June | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Individual Progress Reviews | 6 | School Counselors will meet with all students to review academic progress and future academic and career planning | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via individual meetings |
| Report Cards/Progress Reports | K-6 | Reports are given to parents/guardians every 5 weeks to provide information regarding students’ academic progress | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Parent Phone Calls | K-6 | School counselors communicate with parents on topics including academic progress, personal concerns and other information needed | Throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Parent/Student emails | K-6 | School counselors communicate with students and parents on topics including academic progress, personal concerns and other information as needed. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals Student support via individual meetings |
| Parent letters | K-6 | School counselors communicate with parents and families on a wide variety of topics including reminders, deadlines and the ability to participate in a variety of activities and opportunities | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Parent Information Night | K-6 | School counselors provide assistance to parents and present information about the school counseling program. | Fall | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Awards Coordination | K-6 | Counselors help coordinate selection of students for awards at Awards Ceremony | June | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| New York State Testing Support | 3-6 | Counselors support ELA, Math, Science and Field Testing. | Spring | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Classroom Meetings | K-6 | Take part in class meetings to introduce ourselves and speak about the role we play in the building with students. | September | Academic/SED | Student support via individual/group meetings |
| Outside Agency referrals | K-6 | Refer families/students to community resources such as but not limited to Therapists, Washington County DSS services, Care Center, Camp Comfort | Ongoing as needed | SED | Student support via individual/group meetings with student and stakeholders |
| CSE Meetings | K-6 | Participate in discussion of academic and emotional needs of classified students. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| 504 Meetings | K-6 | Participate in discussion of academic and emotional needs of classified students. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Professional Development | K-6 | School counselors participate in various programs/activities in order to maintain current information and best practices on a wide range of topics | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support through counselor personal education |
| Career Resources | K-6 | Counselors introduce students to career resources. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via individual/group meetings |
| Parent Portal | K-6 | Counselors assist parents in accessing the parent portal and demonstrate how to use the portal. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| AIS scheduling coordination | K-6 | Counselor receives information from other faculty members every five weeks to review assessment in ELA and Math classes. Students are added or dropped from services dependent on current performance and teacher recommendation. Counselors place students in AIS services in September based on NY State test scores and other criteria. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Promotion Meetings | K-6 | Counselors schedule meetings with faculty to review recommendations for retention. | June | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Accelerated Coursework | 6 | Counselors compile data on student grades, test averages, NY State exam scores and teacher recommendations. Information is shared to determine students offered “honors level” classes. | May-June | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Student Scheduling | K-6 | During summer months, school counselors review and revise student schedules. Students are contacted as needed to resolve schedule conflicts. During the school year, schedule change requests are processed and schedules are updated upon administrative approval. | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Kindergarten Screening | K | Counselor will be involved with the screening of all incoming Kindergarten students and the placement of these students into classrooms. | May | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| IEP Progress Reports | K-6 | Counselor completes quarterly progress reports for students with IEP counseling on caseload | Quarterly | SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Character Education | K-6 | Counselor, along with Character Education Committee members design a yearly theme and decide on yearly traits for the schoolwide Program. Counselor helps implement the program | Throughout the year | SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Collaboration with School Psychologist | K-6 | Regular meetings with school psychologist to discuss referred students, 504/IEP caseload, counseling, academics, career interests, graduation pathways, etc. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic/career/SED performance and impact on graduation requirements/goals |
School Counseling Plan for Grades 7-9
- Target Population students in grades 7-9.
- Expected Outcomes Regarding academics, students and parents will have access to information, activities, and strategies to maximize each student’s ability to learn. For career planning, students will understand the connections between grade 7-9 academic success, future High School academic success, and plan for a successful transition from Junior High School to High School and then to postsecondary education and/or employment.
- Students will effectively manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills.
- Evaluation Method(s) : To be determined based on activity and district/building goals.
| Activities | Target Grades | Activity Description | Activity Timeframe | ASCA Domain | Objective/Measurable Outcome |
| Student Support Team (SST) | 7-9 | Weekly or monthly meeting with follow up for individual students as determined by meeting participants | Throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Parent/Teacher Conferences | 7-9 as requested | Teachers, students, counselors and parents provide information and develop plans as needed for student improvement | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Individual Student Meetings | 7-9 | Topic of meeting is addressed and follow up planned as needed | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Academic Warning Letters | 7-9 | School counselors compile data every five weeks and send out letters for academic support programs such as mandatory after school help, academic lunch, academic focus and homework | Every five weeks at report card and progress reports | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Course Selection Meetings | 7-9 | School Counselors meet with students and guide them through the course selection process, reviewing graduation requirements, prerequisites, and course information | Fall/Spring | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Team Meetings | 7-9 | Counselors attend team meetings to collaborate with teachers regarding the academic success of students | Daily | Academic/SED | Student support via group setting to identify critical academic and career steps to achieve identified goals |
| Jr. High Career Fair | 7-8 | To expose Junior High students to careers and optimal academic & extracurricular preparation through attending Career Jam for students in grade 8 and Girls Go STEM for female students in grade 7 | Spring | Career | Student support via stakeholders collaboration and connection to resources to achieve goals postsecondary |
| Jr. High Career Shadowing | 8 | Work with faculty to explore a career of particular interest to students in response to New York Career Zone research | Each Quarter | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration and connection to resources to achieve goals postsecondary |
| Orientation for upcoming 7th Grade | 7 | Interactions with both parents and students in a formal evening presentation and assembly for incoming 7th graders to familiarize themselves with their surroundings and where their classes will be located | Summer/Spring | Academic/All Areas | Student support via stakeholders collaboration to ensure a successful start to the new school year |
| 504/IEP Counseling | 7-9 | School counselor meets with a caseload of assigned 504/IEP students throughout the school year to provide academic, behavioral, social, and emotional support. | Throughout the year | Academic/SED/Career | Student support via 1:1 counselor meetings to monitor student progress toward goals and student success |
| Orientation for new students | 7-9 | Counselors assess student information from previous school, create an academic schedule, meet with new student and family, and give building tours | August then ongoing throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration to ensure a successful start to the new school year |
| 6th to 7th grade transition meetings | 6 | Counselors will meet with 6th grade teachers to review any special needs of students entering 7th grade | May/June | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration to ensure a successful start to the new school year |
| Individual Progress Reviews | 7-9 | School Counselors will meet with all students to review academic progress and future academic and career planning | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Report Cards/Progress Reports | 7-9 | Reports are mailed to parents/guardians every 5 weeks to provide information regarding students’ academic progress | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about academic performance |
| Parent Phone Calls | 7-9 | School counselors communicate with parents on topics including academic progress, personal concerns and other information needed | Throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress towards goals |
| Parent/Student emails | 7-9 | School counselors communicate with students and parents on topics including academic progress, personal concerns and other information as needed. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress towards goals |
| Parent Letters | 7-9 | School counselors communicate with parents and families on a wide variety of topics including reminders, deadlines and the ability to participate in a variety of activities and opportunities | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress towards goals |
| Home School Coordinator | 7-12 | Counselor will do yearly mailings to families, review IHIPs, to ensure families are in compliance of State Mandates and track progress of individual students | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Open House | 7-9 | School counselors provide assistance to parents and present information about the school counseling program. | Fall | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration at the beginning of the school year |
| Master Schedule Development | 7-12 | School counselor collaborates with administration to develop the master schedule for courses in the upcoming academic year | June-August | Academic | Student support via stakeholder collaboration to create a schedule with minimal conflicts to ensure academic success/progress toward goals |
| New York State Testing Support | 7-9 | School counselor supports by ordering all State Regents exams in ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies that are to be given in January and June of the current school year | Spring | Academic | Student support via stakeholder collaboration throughout the school year |
| Class Meetings | 7-9 | Take part in class meetings with Principal to introduce ourselves and speak about the role we play in the building with students. | September | Academic/SED | Student support via group setting to identify critical academic and career steps to achieve identified goals |
| Outside Agency Referrals | 7-9 | Refer families/students to community resources such as but not limited to Therapists, Washington County DSS services, PINS, Care Center, Camp Comfort | Ongoing as needed | SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration and connection to resources to assist students in dealing with different levels of emotion |
| CSE Meetings | 7-9 | Participate in discussion of academic and emotional needs of classified students. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders communication about appropriate academic plan/performance |
| 504 Meetings | 6-9 | Participate in discussion of academic and emotional needs of classified students. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders communication about appropriate academic plan/performance |
| Professional Development | 7-9 | School counselors participate in various programs/activities in order to maintain current information and best practices on a wide range of topics | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via counselor attendance at conferences and connection to resources that will ensure current, accurate, and appropriate counseling standards are maintained |
| Career/College Website Resources | 7-9 | Counselors introduce students to online resources including but not limited to New York Career Zone | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support to identify items related to postsecondary goals |
| Incident Command Team Member | K-12 | Manage critical incidents to protect students and staff in the event of a crisis | As needed | SED | Student support via administration collaboration and communication in regards to managing critical incidents |
| 504 Case Manager | 7-9 | School counselor ensures that 504 students needs are being met in his/her classes through collaboration/communication with the students teachers | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders communication about how to go about obtaining this |
| AIS Scheduling Coordination | 7-9 | Counselors communicate with the AIS teachers to review assessments in ELA and Math classes. Students are added or dropped from services depending on current performance and teacher recommendation. Counselors place students in AIS services in September based on NY State test scores, etc. | Ongoing throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation |
| Summer School/Retention Meetings | 7-9 | Counselors schedule meetings with faculty to review recommendations for summer school, and retention. Counselors provide SchoolTool data regarding students in jeopardy of failing classes and share with the team members. | June | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Accelerated Coursework | 7-9 | Counselors compile data on student grades, test averages, NY State exam scores and teacher recommendations. Information is shared at each grade level to determine students offered “honors level” classes in each grade | May-June | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about expected academic level of performance |
| Summer Programming | 7-9 | School counselors share information about CCS Summer School classes. School Counselors coordinate the identification and application process for both programs. | May-July | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Student Scheduling | 7-9 | During summer months, school counselors review and revise student schedules. Students are contacted as needed to resolve schedule conflicts. During the school year, schedule change requests are processed and schedules are updated upon administrative approval. | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
School Counseling Plan for Grades 10-12
- Target Population Grades 10-12
- Ongoing collaboration with stakeholders inclusive of, but not limited to, parents/guardians, teachers, teacher aids, school counselor(s), school psychologist, school nurse, administration, etc.
- Expected Outcomes to build skills and facilitate success in ASCA domain areas of Academics, Career, and Social/Emotional Development:
- Academics: students and parents will have access to information, activities, and strategies to maximize each student’s ability to learn.
- Career: students will understand the connection between school and the world of work, and plan for a successful transition from school to postsecondary education and/or employment.
- Social/Emotional Development: students will have access to a confidential and safe environment to process emotions and learn coping skills to successfully manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills during school and postsecondary education and/or employment.
- Evaluation Method(s) : To be determined based on activity, district/building goals, various feedback platforms
| Activities | Target Grades | Activity Description | Activity Timeframe | ASCA Domain | Objective/Measurable Outcomes |
| SST | 10-12 as referred | Weekly meeting with follow up for individual students as determined by meeting participants (school counselors, school psychologist, school nurse, etc.). | Throughout the year | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Parent Conferences | 10-12 as requested | Counselors, students, and parents provide and share information and develop plans as needed for student success. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Individual Student Meetings | 10-12 | Topic of meeting is identified and action plan is created | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Failure Warning Letters | 10-12 | School counselors note information re: failures in required courses including marking period grades, midterms and final grades. Letters are mailed to parents/guardians. | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Parent/Guardian Emails/Phone calls | 10-12 | School counselors are readily accessible to parents/guardians and facilitate communication as needed to ensure student success | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Regents Re-test Notification | 10-12 as applicable | School counselors produce listing of Regents exam failures; mail notice to parents/guardians exam day, date and time of exam needed for re-take. | Fall/Spring | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Senior Meetings/Graduation Requirements | 12 | Transcript review: School counselors review courses, credits and/or regents exams required for graduation. Encouraged parent participation | Fall | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Course Selection meetings | 10-11 | School counselors meet with students and guide them through the course request process, reviewing graduation requirements, prerequisites and course information. | Fall/Spring | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/student progress toward goals |
| Class meetings | 10-12 | School counselors meet with individual classes and present information, timelines and dates of activities needed to assist students in high school and post-secondary planning | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via group setting to identify critical academic and career steps to achieve identified goals |
| Crisis Counseling | 10-12 | School counselor meets with students struggling or “in crisis” related to academic, social, emotional, developmental, career concerns | Throughout the year | Academic/SED/Career | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify support resources and referrals as needed |
| Dignity for All Students Act (Coordinator) | 7-12 | DASA Coordinator will monitor and document critical incidents and peer conflicts; educate students, staff, parents, etc. in process of filing reports and understanding characteristics and qualifications of reportable critical incident/bullying | Throughout the year | SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration and communication about appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral conduct in the school |
| 504/IEP Counseling and Case Manager | 7-12 | School counselor meets with caseload of assigned 504/IEP students throughout the year to provide individualized support, psychoeducation, etc. | Throughout the year | Academic/SED/Career | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to monitor student progress toward goals and student success |
| College Rep Visits | 10-12 | College admissions representatives meet with students in small group settings. Representatives also have the opportunity to talk with school counselors as well. | Fall | Academic/SED/Career | Student support via stakeholders collaboration and connection to resources to achieve goals postsecondary |
| Alumni Panel Discussion | 11-12 | School counselors invite Cambridge alumni to represent their college, workforce, military branch, etc. and hold discussion forum for upperclassmen to gain information and learn first hand experience | Fall | Academic/SED/Career | Student support via group setting to connect students with alumni that speak to postsecondary life experience |
| Incident Command Team Member | K-12 | Manage critical incidents to protect students and staff in the event of a critical incident | As needed | SED | Student support via administration collaboration and communication in regards to managing critical incidents |
| PSAT/NMSQT | 11 | 11th graders sit for the PSAT/NMSQT exam and later meet with school counselors to review scores | Fall | Academic/Career | Student support via standardized assessment to identify growth and target areas to achieve postsecondary goals |
| PSAT 10 | 10 | 10th graders sit for the PSAT 10 exam and later meet with school counselors to review the scores | Spring | Academic | Student support via standardized assessment to identify growth and target areas to achieve postsecondary goals |
| National Honor Society [Anonymous] Advisory Council Member | 11-12 | National Honor Society inductees are chosen based on teacher rankings in 3 categories, which are processed by advisory council members; conduct is monitored and evaluated consistently by the advisory council members | Year-round | Academic/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration/monitoring consistent appropriate behavioral conduct and academic standards |
| Senior College Preparation | 12 | Students and parents are given information regarding the college application process including timelines, types of applications, scholarship information as well as an information packet developed by school counselors. | Fall | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholders collaboration and connection to resources to achieve goals postsecondary |
| College and Career Club | 10-12 | School counselor is available in a designated location 1x/week during activity period to assist students with career/college research, application completion, and resume building. | October-June | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via group setting to identify and complete critical academic, career, financial, etc. items related to postsecondary goals |
| SSD Coordinator | 10-12 | Testing coordinator for in-school College Board testing, responsible for receiving secure tests, generating test rosters, and generating Nonstandard Administration Reports for school-based testing. | Year-round | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration to ensure appropriate accommodations are approved to facilitate academic success |
| Scheduling Meetings | 10-12 | School counselors meet with all students to review progress toward graduation, course requirements and post secondary plans. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Instant Admission to local colleges | 12 | Students interested in attending local colleges involved with participating colleges can sign up for instant admission to Fall semester following graduation | Fall | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to provide advising, support, and connection to resources |
| College Caravan | 11-12 | Representatives from private, state, and community colleges advertise post-graduate programs and opportunities to interested students | Spring | Academic | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to provide advising, support, and connection to resources |
| Special Program (CTE, ECHS, NEW VISIONS, ACCES-VR) | 10-11 | Students have the opportunity to visit programs, attend presentations and learn about opportunities for unique out-of-district and transition planning programs | Spring | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify and monitor student success |
| Distance Learning Coordination and Course Description Guide | 7-12 | School counselor organizes and updates courses available to students via virtual classroom by collaborating with other schools that offer the courses via email, meetings, phone calls, etc. | Year-round | Academic | Student support via counselor collaboration with academic resources to ensure variety of course availability and subject exposure |
| Course Description Guide | 10-12 | Course descriptions, graduation requirements and school policies are updated annually and distributed to students and families as part of the course selection process. | December-June | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholder collaboration and coordination with academic departments to communicate and facilitate student success |
| Open House | 9-12 | School counselors provide assistance to parents and present information about the school counseling program. | Fall | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration at start of school year |
| FAFSA Parent Night | 11-12 | School counselors coordinate and facilitate a presentation about the college financial aid application process with representative(s) from local college financial aid office to assist with application(s) | Fall/Spring | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about financial obligations and registrations for college admittance |
| Classroom Push-In Lessons | 9-12 | School counselors make presentations to academic classes, course selections, post secondary planning and other topics upon teacher request. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Course Request Presentations | 10-11 | School counselors meet with classes and guide students through the course selection process. School Counselors ensure graduation requirements, prerequisites and course information are presented, reviewed and explained. | Spring | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration, stakeholder coordination, 1:1 counseling, and coordination with academic departments to communicate and facilitate student success/progress toward goals |
| College Application Processing | 12 | School counselors complete and submit portions of student college applications (official transcripts, letter of recommendation, mid-year reports, etc.) | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via collaboration with postsecondary institutions to ensure updated and accurate information is communicated |
| Scholarship Coordination | 10-12 | School counselors promote scholarship opportunities for students and provide/submit information for student applications as needed. School counselors facilitate the Local Scholarship application/selection process | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholder collaboration to allow financial opportunities are available postsecondary |
| Leadership Program Coordination | 9-12 | School counselors coordinate information and share leadership opportunities with students. School counselors coordinate registration processes as needed. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder collaboration and 1:1 counselor meetings to connect students to opportunities as interested |
| NCAA | 9-12 | School counselors provide student athletes and parents/guardians information regarding NCAA regulations as requested. Updated course information and student transcripts are also submitted to the NCAA. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholder collaboration and academic department communication to ensure students eligibility to perform at competitive athletic and academic institutions postsecondary |
| College Board/ACT Accommodations | 9-12 | School counselors and the psychologist submit student information for test accommodation requests and school counselors administer special testing as needed. | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholders collaboration to ensure appropriate accommodations are approved to facilitate academic success |
| Professional Development/Professional Learning Communities | 9-12 | School counselors participate in various programs/activities in order to maintain current information and best practices on a wide range of topics. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via counselor attendance at conferences and connection to resources that will ensure accurate, current, and appropriate counseling standards are maintained |
| AP Testing Coordination (AP Coordinator) | 10-12 | Coordination of the AP program including AP Course Audit, AP district registration, proctoring and administration of AP exams. | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance to ensure academic success |
| Various committee memberships | 9-12 | School counselors participate in a wide variety of committees intended to improve the school. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder communication and collaboration to provide important and current resources and information |
| Summer Programming | 9-12 | School counselors share information about CCS summer credit recovery and summer school opportunities. School counselors and staff also coordinate CCS summer school/credit recovery registration. | June-August | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| AIS Placement | 10-12 | School counselors schedule students as needed based on marking period failure, per teacher request and scheduling availability | Throughout the year | Academic | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Student Scheduling | 10-12 | During summer months, school counselors review and revise student schedules. Students are contacted as needed to resolve schedule conflicts. Final schedules are mailed home at the end of August. During the school year, schedule change requests are processed and schedules are updated upon administrative approval. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic performance and impact on graduation requirements |
| Master Schedule Development | 7-12 | School counselor collaborates with administration to develop the master schedule for courses in the upcoming academic year | June-August | Academic | Student support via stakeholder collaboration to create schedules with minimal conflicts to ensure academic success / progress toward goals |
| Serve as a member of Wellness Committee | 7-12 | School counselor meets with various school staff committee members to organize events and brainstorm ideas to promote wellness in the school environment | Throughout the year | SED | Student support via stakeholder communication and collaboration to provide important and current resources and information |
| Remind App | 10-12 | School counselor utilizes technology to regularly update students and parents that use the application of important deadlines, school activities, scholarships, etc. related to grades 10-12 | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via technological resource to provide timely information to students and stakeholders |
| Annual Review Meetings for CSE Students | 7-12 | Meetings to review annual progress and make program recommendations to facilitate student success in collaboration with high school psychologist | Spring | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic/career/SED performance and impact on graduation requirements/goals |
| Collaboration with School Psychologist | 7-12 | Regular meetings with school psychologist to discuss referred students, 504/IEP caseload, counseling, academics, career interests, graduation pathways, etc. | Throughout the year | Academic/Career/SED | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic/career/SED performance and impact on graduation requirements/goals |
| IEP Progress Reports | 7-12 | School counselor completes progress reports for all IEP students on counseling caseload indicating progress toward identified goals for social/emotional development | Quarterly | SED | Student support via stakeholder communication about appropriate academic/career/SED performance and impact on graduation requirements/goals |
| Substance Use Resource Officer | K-12 | Identified as the sole CCS Substance Use Resource Officer to all students, staff, parents/guardians interested in gathering information, resources, referrals, counseling, etc. related to substance use upon request. | Throughout the year | SED | Student support via 1:1 counselor meeting to identify support resources and referrals as needed |
| After School Social/Emotional Learning Programs | 10-12 | School counselor designs and facilitates small group sessions related to social/emotional topics, including but not limited to, mental health, coping skills, stress, anxiety, etc. | Throughout the year | SED | Student support via counselor-facilitated group about social, emotional, and behavioral health in and out of school |
Annual Counseling Plan Review Procedure
- The school counseling committee and all school counselors will monitor the current K-12 plan throughout the school year. Recommendations for program modification will be determined.
- The school counseling department will present a review of the current plan with recommended revisions to the Board of Education when scheduled.
- The K-6 principal will meet with faculty to develop/assess the current program effectiveness and consider possible revisions, for K-6 program.
- The 7-12 principal will meet with faculty to develop/assess the current program effectiveness and consider possible revisions, for 7-12 program.