School Counseling

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

School Counseling at ARS

The mission of the Department of School Counseling is to provide a comprehensive and developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. We do this in developmentally appropriate ways that enable personal growth and academic success. Our efforts in these areas for our students are a part of a collaborative model that includes all stakeholders.

Tai McMiller

Administrator/Director of School Counseling

tai.mcmiller@arsnc.org

Shelley Soltysiak

Behavior Specialist

shelley.soltysiak@arsnc.org

How school counselors
address student needs:

Individual Counseling

The Department of School Counseling has staff and/ or partnered agencies that provide effective ways of managing a variety of personal, academic, and social issues. While each student faces his/her own unique challenges, some common issues involve, but are not limited to: transitions to school, confidence/self-esteem, academic pressures, coping with grief, dealing with families in transition, organization, stress/anxiety management, fitting in, communication skills, peer relationships, and crisis management, among others.

Group Counseling

The Department of School Counseling has staff and/ or partnered agencies that may facilitate small group counseling throughout the year. Groups are organized according to student-identified needs and are available to all interested students. Groups typically meet weekly or bi-weekly, and may be ongoing throughout the year or time-structured with a start/end date. Some group counseling is held after school.

SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)

American Renaissance School provides social-emotional learning within the classroom.
Also, the Department of School Counseling has staff and partnered agencies that also provide social emotional learning to students K-8. Lesson topics such as bullying prevention, social media responsibility/etiquette, character education & prosocial behavior, preparation for high school (8th grade), career exploration, and personal wellness are just a few examples of topics covered by staff during classroom guidance lessons that focus on Social Emotional Learning.

Reasons Why Students Should
See the School Counselor

Individual Counseling:

Students may come see the school counselor for a number of reasons:

making & keeping friends
setting goals
learning social skills
feeling good about yourself & boosting self-esteem
making good choices
being responsible & respectful
understanding & working with strong feelings
conflict resolution
bullying
changes at home or school
experiencing loss or grief

It is important to remember that school counselors do not provide long term therapy. It is recommended that they only see students for a few sessions before deciding to make a referral to a community resource.

Group Counseling:

Students may be asked to participate in group counseling sessions throughout the year that focus on the various needs of students that can include:

stress, worry, & anxiety
social skills
new to American Renaissance School
self-esteem
friendship

Permission forms will be sent home to guardians if a student is referred for a group. Community resources also come to our school and lead groups related to grief and worries.