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FREEDOM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
School Counselor
Susan Suleski
Grades 5th - 8TH
BS Psychology, University of Pittsburgh
Masters of Education of Education, University of Pittsburgh
Certified School Counselor K-12
Nationally Certified Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
School Counselors Help Children by……
Promoting positive attitudes among students toward self, family, peers, and community.
Assisting students in learning how school performance relates to future opportunities.
Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as healthy decision
making, resolving conflicts and respecting others.
Working collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to identify and remove barriers to
learning.
Supporting students by teaching skills for achieving success.
Helping students to recognize and make the best of their abilities.
Counseling with students individually and in groups.
Providing support during a personal crisis.
Orienting new students.
Counselors are the heart of the school by……
Helping create a safe school environment where children can learn.
Working with students on assessment issues.
Coordinating referrals to outside agencies.
Helping design interventions to enhance student success.
Developing community partnerships to enhance student career awareness.
Helping teachers create a positive learning environment.
Helping students learn anger management, conflict resolution, and mediation skills.
Helping parents, teachers, and administrators in learning how to meet the needs of all students.
School Counselors Can Help in Many Situations……...
“My parents are getting a divorce. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“I am new here and I am having trouble making friends.”
“I have a lot of difficulties dealing with my stepchild.”
“Fred scores high on standardized tests but hardly make a passing grade in school.”
“Karen always tells me that she doesn’t have homework, but I found out she isn’t doing it.”
“I need some ideas for helping students to get along with each other.”
“Bill hasn’t been himself lately. He seems to be preoccupied with something.”
“I have a bad temper and need to learn how to control it.”
“Mary has been absent from school an awful lot this year.”
“My dad gets so angry when he has been drinking.”
How is a student referred to a school counselor?
Students may be referred to the counselor by self, parent/guardian, teacher, administrators,
friend or agency. A positive relationship between school and home enhances the academic,
career and personal/social development of children. Counselors work with parents/guardians to
encourage academic and social success.
School Counselors……..
Involve parents/guardians
Offer parenting classes/workshops
Provide referral information about community resources
Inform parents/guardians of situations or behaviors that may harm their child or that may harm
others.
Obtain parental consent before proceeding with on-going counseling.
Protect the privacy of information shared by parents and students.
