Counseling Approach

Based on the National Standards from the American School Counseling Association, the PVHS Counseling Department believes in a whole-child counseling approach, utilizing the PVPUSD Essential Counseling Standards to work with students in the domain areas of academics, College and career planning and personal-social development.

The Counseling department has developed a program that allows students to:

Acquire necessary decision making information in a timely and effective manner including:

1. Incoming 8th grade parent orientation, 8th grade student articulation program, Graduation Requirement information and checklist, Program selection and course planning assistance, College admissions planning, College testing timelines

Apply acquired basic skills to personal planning and decision making through:

1. Goal Setting, Communicating, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Positive Risk Taking, Self-Advocacy, Time Management, Acceptance of Responsibility

Establish a partnership with counselor / parent/ student / staff in an environment that:

1. Monitors academic progress, Is confidential in nature, Supports cooperation and consistency, Fosters a sense of community within the school, Facilitates open and honest communication

Experience support, counseling, and guidance when confronted with educational, personal, social and/or emotional issues such as:

1. Academic risk, Attendance and truancy problems, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Peer Conflicts, Family Issues, Coping Skills

Special Programs Offered to Assist Students and Parents

8th grade parent and student articulation program:
An orientation program is held each year in March for parents of incoming students. The program presents an overview of the school, course sequence, freshman schedule, brief review of College admissions and descriptions of special programs. Additionally, the counselors meet with students in large groups at each intermediate school to provide similar information. Counselors then meet individually with each student at a later date to review the student’s academic record and course selections for the following school year.

Sophomore, Junior and Senior Parent Nights:
Evening presentations are held for junior and senior parents to provide information about graduation requirements, updated College admissions information, College entrance testing, and other pertinent grade level information.

Parent Awareness Presentations:
Evening presentations are arranged for parents regarding various topics with expert speakers from throughout our local areas. Topics are selected based on current student needs and issues. Past topics have included: drug and alcohol use, body image, law enforcement issues.