Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School

Department Head: Dale Fornoff

This department is staffed by five full time school counselors, a school-to-careers coordinator, and a full time social worker.  The School Counseling Department is organized to provide assistance to a student and his/her family in all areas of the student’s high school life. School counseling is available to every student in the school.  These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational information, career information, study help, assistance with home, school and/or other social concerns, and initial special needs referrals.  Each student may be assured that complete confidentiality will be maintained at all times, except when the student is in danger of hurting themselves or others, as mandated by law.

Student Objectives for School Counseling Department

School Counseling Definition:  The Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School Counseling Department is an integral part of the total education program for all students.  The D-Y Counseling program is based upon the Massachusetts School Counselor’s Associations model.   The program includes sequential activities implemented by certified school counselors with the goal of assisting students to prepare for career and college readiness in order to succeed in the global economy.  

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School Counseling Mission Statement

The mission of the School Counseling Department is to empower students by providing academic, career and personal/social services.  This includes advocacy and advising for social, academic and career development through partnerships with students, teachers, families, administrators and community members.  

DYRHS School Counseling Department Philosophy

• We believe that school counseling programs should be provided to all students regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, achievements, aspirations or socio-economic status and that every individual is important and respected for his/her individual differences.

• We believe that individual counseling should be made available to each student as needed and that the counseling relationship remains confidential unless the counselor has approved release of information or in emergency situations to protect the individual and or others. 

• We believe that all students need the opportunity to develop a better understanding and acceptance of self in addition to developing empathy for others.  We believe that all students will benefit from small group and classroom presentations. 

• We believe that all students need an understanding of the many career opportunities on which to base future life decisions. 

• We believe that each student, in collaboration with their school counselor, should create and develop an individualized post high school plan.  

• We believe that all students need assistance in assessing and improving their individual academic performance.  

• We believe that each student meets annually with their school counselor to discuss and select a course of study based on individual interests, skills and values to develop his/her career pathway.  

Dennis-Yarmouth School Counseling Department Curriculum includes three major areas: academic (educational development), career planning and exploration, and knowledge of self and others.  The curriculum incorporates the use of goals, objectives and activities.  The curriculum is designed to provide all students with structured learning experiences through large and small group and or individual activities.  Implementation is the responsibility of the counselor with the collaboration and support from the faculty, staff and administration. 

Individual Planning: 

Advise interventions focused on planning and decision making.  Assistance is planned, delivered and or coordinated for delivery by a school counselor. 

Goals:

• Students create and manage a realistic education and career plan tied to post secondary goals

• Students identify interests, skills and values and apply them to school and post secondary decision making.  

• Students use information and consultation in making transitions between grades, schools and post secondary options

Strategies:

• Coordination of educational/ career planning with teachers, families and mentors

• Student monitoring

• Consultation with students, teachers and parents

• Utilizing technology for career and college research and planning (ND)

Responsive Services:

Services that address the immediate crisis of the student.

Goals: 

1. Counselors assist students facing obstacles in learning including but not limited to test anxiety, behavior management, learning disabilities, and or other life events that may impact learning.

2. Counselors assist in guiding a student to balance school and or family, work and social emotional issues.

3. Counselors assist students in managing family, peer, and teacher conflict. 

Strategies:

• Individual/ small group counseling

• Consultations and community referrals

• Student peer help

• Prevention and intervention programs

System Support:

• Programs that provide direction, vision and accountability for the school counseling problem. 

• Activities that establish, maintain, and enhance the program. 

• Conduct annual program audits to determine the degree that the school counseling program has been implemented

• Monitor program outcomes and system support