Philosophy

In accordance with Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School’s core virtues of charity, integrity, diligence, courage, and responsibility, the professional school counselors at Our Lady of Mercy believe:

· all students have dignity and worth

· all students have the ability to achieve

· all students should have equitable access to the comprehensive and developmental school counseling program, regardless of ethnicity, culture, race, gender, age, or degree of disability

· all students’ individual differences will be considered when developing and implementing the comprehensive and developmental school counseling program to better meet the needs of all students

Emphasizing Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School’s vision to be a “national model of excellence in Catholic, college preparatory, diverse education” that “challenges students to reach their full potential,” Our Lady of Mercy’s school counseling program envisions a comprehensive and developmental program that:

· reaches every student, regardless of ethnicity, culture, race, gender, age, and degree of disability

· is proactive and preventative in providing essential assistance for student success

· teaches fundamental life skills crucial for present and future academic, personal/social, and career achievement

· encourages student exploration and monitors student progress towards achievement

· assists all students to graduate college and career ready

· adequately prepares students for the ever-changing world

· provides a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment for all students

· advocates for the needs of every student

· continuously explores, alters, and improves student services through the use of disaggregated and analyzed data to meet the changing needs of students

· follows all ethical and national standards set by Our Lady of Mercy, the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and the American School Counselor Association

All professional school counselors at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School:

· abide by the ethical and national standards set by Our Lady of Mercy, the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and the American School Counselor Association

· maintain state certification for the school counseling service field

· advocate for the needs of all students, regardless of ethnicity, culture, race, gender, age, and degree of disability

· participate in professional development activities essential to maintain a high-quality comprehensive and developmental school counseling program

· analyze and utilize disaggregated data to constantly evaluate and improve the comprehensive and developmental school counseling program

· implement effective evidence-based intervention methods

· consult and collaborate with students, parents, faculty members, administrators, community members, and other stake holders to ensure the needs of all students are adequately met

Monthly Classroom Guidance sessions bring the school counselor into the classroom for focused lessons aimed at developing strong social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Here are some of the lesson topics:

· Self-confidence and self-advocacy

· Time management and organization

· Personal boundaries

· Conflict resolution and relationship skills

· SAT/ACT test preparation and study skills

· Mindset and attitude awareness

· Overcoming adversity and obstacles