School Counseling
School Counseling Mission and Vision
Counseling Mission Statement
The Pathways Middle School counseling program will prepare students to meet future challenges through connecting with others and themselves and building upon their individual successes.
Counseling Vision Statement
Students are empowered to show pride for themselves and their work, demonstrate perseverance through challenging situations and create positive relationships to nurture their growth and development. Through support from the school counselor, access to a guidance curriculum, and an understanding of college and career opportunities, all students will progress towards college and career readiness and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
School Counseling Services
The School Counselor:
Promotes a safe, caring, climate and a positive school experience for all students
Guides and supports students with personal, social, and academic goals
Encourages students to have healthy perceptions of themselves
Inspires students to show kindness, respect, and empathy toward others
Advocates for students, and empowers students to make positive choices, by using appropriate tools for problem-solving and decision making
The Role of the School Counselor:
Offers short-term, solution-focused, individual and group counseling (group counseling is based on availability).
Teaches whole group class lessons with district-approved curriculum
Observes students in various settings
Consults and collaborates with parents, staff, students, and community agencies
Provides community referrals and resources for families
Provides support during a crisis
The School Counselor's Referral Process:
Referrals typically come from parents, staff, and students
Students can stop by the counselor’s office (with teacher permission), and fill out a request slip, or bring their own note, and place it in the counselor’s confidential mailbox. Or, students can ask their teacher to contact the school counselor for them.
Staff and parents may contact the counselor at any time via phone or email
Note: For issues beyond the scope of a school counselor, and/or when more intensive, long-term services may be needed, parents may request referrals for outside counseling services
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is important in the counseling relationship. Sometimes, confidentiality must be broken to protect the safety and well-being of your child. These are called Exceptions to Confidentiality. Counselors are required by law to report any information that includes:
Someone is hurting you
You want to hurt yourself and/or someone else
Something illegal happened
You give me permission to share with another trusted adult
You or someone tells me about consistent and/or persistent changes in your behavior or the way you feel
I am asked to testify ina court of law or to other legal authorities
If you have any questions about the boundaries of confidentiality, please feel free to contact your school counselor.
Who is my School Counselor?
Phone: 208-350-4040
Email: mccarthy.dara@westada.org
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Boise State University
Masters in Counseling, Boise State University
Licensed Professional Counselor
Nationally Certified Counselor
Who is my District Social Worker?
