Loudoun County Public School Counselors

Helping Students Succeed in School

Counselors Help Students Learn

 Each school of Loudoun County Public Schools has a school counseling program.  Certified counselors are responsible for the organization and management of school counseling services.

 Counselors work with students, parents, teachers and administrators to help students succeed in school and prepare for meaningful productive living.  School Counseling services are child-centered, developmental and preventive, and encourage students' academic, social/emotional and career awareness at each stage of their development. School Counseling services are inclusive and respectful of student and staff differences in gender, religion, ethnicity, race, ability, handicapping condition and age. 

What Are the Objectives of the School Counseling Program?

The Loudoun County school counseling program provides the students education in:

• becoming self-directive and responsible for their behavior in relation to academic achievement;

• developing positive feelings toward their school environment;

• fostering and supporting responsible behavior and safety;

• understanding the relationship between personal qualities, education and the world of work;

• understanding the character traits consistent with Loudoun County Public Schools ' Character Education program

• developing problem solving, decision making an coping skills;

• understanding and respecting themselves and others;

• maintaining effective relationships with peers and adults;

• developing effective communication skills; and

• planning for further education

What Does a School Counselor Do?

• We provide systematic classroom guidance lessons in the academic, career, and personal/social development of students

• We provide students individual counseling

• We respond to student needs in crisis situations

• We facilitate groups with students on various topics, with parental permission

• We help orient students who are new to our school or school settings

• We adhere to ethical and legal standards

• We actively participate in the referral process of students to special programs and/or services

• We work with and coordinate efforts with other school specialists

• We conduct conferences with parents

• We facilitate parent discussion groups

• We advocate for all students 

The Roles and Objectives of the School Counseling Program:

There are three main domains--academic, career, and personal/social development in the Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools, from which all elementary school counselors in Loudoun County are required to teach.

Why Do Parents Contact the School Counselor?

• Family transitions

• Special needs of their child

• Student crisis situations

• Academic achievement

• New school transition

How is a Student Referred to the School Counselor?

• Self-referral

• Teacher, administrator or staff referral

• Parent referral

• Counselor observation