School Counseling

ISB’s Elementary School Counseling department consists of  two full time counselors and a school psychologist.

Our comprehensive counseling program includes:

Transition Support 

It is our goal to ensure that each new student has a smooth transition to ISB and that students have a positive transition when departing ISB. Welcoming new students and their parents, providing them with an orientation of our Elementary School, and supporting each student’s adjustment to his/her new environment comprise the foundation that we build upon to make certain that each student succeeds socially and academically. Correspondingly, working with departing students and families is also a priority for successful transitions out of the Elementary School. 

Counseling Curriculum Delivery

Our comprehensive counseling program focuses on activities and lessons that are developmentally appropriate and consistent with the ISCA (International School Counseling Association) and ASCA (American School Counseling Association) student standards. The Counseling Curriculum overview can be found on the ES Curriculum calendar. The counselors  teach in the classrooms on a regular basis as part of the core counseling program and are additionally available for supplemental lessons.

Small group counseling

A variety of small group counseling activities occur throughout the year which foster social/emotional development. These groups address topics including transitions, friendship skills, anxiety, and social pragmatics, among others. 

Individual counseling

Our counselors provide an environment that is conducive to students communicating freely and openly with them.

Individual School counseling is solution-focused and generally short-term in nature. If a student needs ongoing counseling, the school counselor can provide contact information for community counselors/psychologists. 

Individual counseling can be both a responsive and proactive service in order to meet student needs and concerns. It is offered throughout the school year to students in a confidential setting. Students may request counseling directly to the school counselor. The parent/guardian of a child, teacher or administrator may also refer a student for individual counseling.

Teacher and parent consultation

Collaborating with teachers and parents in a unified approach to find the most effective methods to help each child reach his/her academic and social potential is the cornerstone of the counseling program. Counselors consult with teachers in their division to discuss individual student needs or help address a complex group dynamic. Counselors meet with parents in response to issues that may be arising both at school and at home. Operating with the best interest of the student in mind, counselors, teachers and families work in partnership to help each child achieve academic and social success.

Parent presentations and workshops

Parent presentations and workshops are given on a wide array of educational issues designed to help parents become familiar with special topics of interest, and our programs and services, all with the aim of better serving each child and strengthening the bond between home and school.

The ISB Middle School counseling department consists of two counselors, working on each grade level and a psychologist (Mr. Ryan Ruhl) who works across the middle and high school divisions. The MS office can direct parents to the relevant counselor for their grade.

The counselors work in partnership with students, parents, teachers and administrators and are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where students can receive academic, social, and emotional guidance that enhances their ability to achieve their academic and personal potential.

Counselors assist with the admissions process by meeting with students and families to discuss subject selection and any personal learning needs. They play a role in assisting new students to settle into school by providing support in the form of new student lunches, monitoring for friendships, and providing orientation programs for new students.

The counselors respond to referrals from parents, teachers and administrators in order to address concerns. Parents are informed of any on-going counselor involvement with students. Students are free to self refer in order to obtain guidance and support. Counselors may work with students on an individual basis and will provide an assurance of confidentiality if appropriate.

The counselor at each grade level coordinates the Student Support Team (SST) which consists of the school learning specialists, an administrator, teachers and parents. The Support Team meets regularly to discuss students who are experiencing difficulties with learning. The purpose of the SST is to identify and address any areas of concern to ensure students receive services to assist their learning. Parents are always involved when a student is referred to the SST.

At times the counselors may respond to a need that is best met through a group approach. Social skills groups, friendship groups or other concerns may be addressed by bringing together students with similar needs. These groups will be offered by invitation and parent permission obtained.

The Middle School Counseling team is an experienced and dedicated team working in partnership with staff and parents to provide the support required for all students to be successful.

Welcome to High School Counseling

ISB’s high school counselors deliver a proactive student-centered and developmental program that fosters a safe school environment. In an ethical and confidential manner, school counselors serve as student advocates, respect individual differences, and support the holistic needs of the diverse ISB student population by collaborating with the school community.

Our high school counseling department offers a variety of services to our student, parent, and teacher community. Our counselors provide individual and family counseling, support students with course selection and academics, host parent workshops and book clubs, develop and facilitate SEL lessons for Advisory, and coordinate student services in the high school. Counselors also conduct entry and exit transition programming for high school students and families.

For Universities Counseling click here to learn more.