District Guidance

Nevada Community School District

School Counseling Program

Mission Statement

Promoting and enhancing student learning and success by ensuring that all students develop academic, personal/social, and career competencies to become productive citizens in their communities today for tomorrow.

Vision Statement

The professional school counselors of the Nevada Community School District collaborate with students, families, staff, and community to provide quality educational experiences in a positive learning environment designed to promote life-long learning and success for all students.

Philosophy and Belief Statements

The Nevada Community School District School Counseling Program

Is a functional and integral part of the total educational process that utilizes data to drive curriculum.

Is provided for all students.

Is aligned with the PS-12^th grade curriculum.

Provides a collaborative relationship inclusive of counselors, students, parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and available community resources.

Is comprehensive, preventative, and in a constant state of refinement.

Provides a purposeful and beneficial contribution toward student's personal/social, career, and academic growth.

All Nevada Community School District counselors are:

Professionals with a

Master's degree in school counseling

License from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

Professionals who

Demonstrate knowledge and skills

Provide a critical link to student success

Counseling programs are delivered by:

CURRICULUM –

Lessons designed for achievement of knowledge, attitude and skills in academic and career success and personal and social development

Classroom instruction

Outcome-based lessons

Interdisciplinary curriculum

Group activities

Family workshops

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT PLANNING –

Helps personalize education for all students

Career counseling and curriculum

Career/occupation information

Work-based learning opportunities

Academic goals

Comprehensive transition planning and support

Individual core curriculum plan

RESPONSIVE SERVICES –

A plan that meets the immediate needs of students

Individual and small group counseling

Crisis counseling and response

Consultation

Referrals for students and families to community resources

Relationships and conflict management

SYSTEM SUPPORT –

Activities that establish, maintain and enhance the Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Professional development

Consultation, collaboration and teaming

School improvement involvement

Data gathering and interpretation

Family involvement

Community outreach

Nevada Community School District counseling services facilitate student development in three broad domains:

Academic Development

Effective learning in school and throughout life

Academic preparation for post-secondary options

Relationships among academics, work, family and community life

Career Development

Investigate career options to make informed decisions

Strategize to achieve future career goals

Relationships among personal qualities, education, training and work

Personal/Social Development

Interpersonal skills to respect self and others

Decision making, setting goals and taking action to achieve goals

Understanding everyday safety and survival skills as well as coping strategies

STAFF

If you have any questions about the Nevada Community School District counseling program, or if you would like to talk to a counselor, please email or call to arrange an appointment.

Nevada Central Elementary

Bonnie Giesking Williams, School Counselor
(515) 382-2383

Nevada Middle School

Michael Oleson, School Counselor
(515) 382-2751

Jodi Heeren, Student & Family Development Specialist

Nevada High School
(515) 382-3521

Jeff Baker, School Counselor

Elizabeth Gindt, Academic Coach

Kate Huse, Guidance Secretary

HELPFUL FAMILY RESOURCES

The Story County Resource Guide

www.storycountyresourceguide.com