The High School Counseling Department gave a presentation at the June 13th Garden City Board of Education work session highlighting the department's goals and plans for the future.

"The mission of our school counseling program is to provide an environment of empowerment for students, enabling them to achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams and aspirations while instilling a strong sense of self-knowledge and discovery," said Joanne Meyer-Jendras, interim department chair.

A school counselor works closely with teachers, students, administrators, parents and community members. The six counselors at the high school handle a caseload of 240 students in grades 9 through 12. A new counselor will be hired in time for the new school year, enabling the caseload to decrease to 190 students. Meyer-Jendras said this lightened caseload will allow for more personal interaction with each student.

Counselors meet with all students individually, as well as in small grade-specific groups. Annual meetings are held with parents and students to review progress and grades and discuss future plans.

In tenth grade, an interest inventory is taken using a Web-based program called Guidance Direct. In eleventh grade, counselors help students with their college search using Guidance Direct and another Web-based program called Naviance. Seniors meet with counselors individually and in groups to navigate the college application process. This year the average number of college applications per student was 10-14. The highest number was 31. Students are now responsible for mailing college applications; the counseling department takes care of submitting supplemental materials such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.

The department would like to encourage parents and students to take advantage of all of the features of the Naviance program, which includes resume writing assistance. Meyers-Jendras uses the program to e-mail students with application deadline reminders and other important information. Parents can be added into the system by their child and be provided with their own e-mail address and password.

In 2005-2006, the Counseling Department will offer new programs focusing on tolerance, acceptance of differences and bullying prevention. The department also plans to offer evening programs for parents focusing on social and emotional adolescence issues.