Prince William County Public Schools
School Counseling K-12
The comprehensive Prince William County Public Schools counseling program (K-12) is an essential and effective educational framework that will enable all students in our diverse population to acquire academic, career, and social-emotional competencies necessary to function and to contribute as productive citizens in a changing society.
Goal of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program
The ultimate goal of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program is to complement and support the state Standards of Learning to ensure that all students in pre-K through grade 12 receive support in academic, career, and personal/social development. The Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Comprehensive School Counseling Program is a collaborative effort with parents, teachers, administrators, and other school and community members to foster, promote, and improve student success and achievement in our schools. In conjunction with the College, Career, and Student Support Department, each Prince William County Public School shall establish a comprehensive school counseling program that is based on the Virginia Department of Education Standards for School Counseling Programs (PDF) in Virginia Public Schools and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model (PDF).
Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools
The Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools are a framework developed by the Virginia Board of Education to guide comprehensive school counseling programs from preschool through grade 12. They are designed to support student growth and achievement and to complement Virginia’s Standards of Learning.
The standards are organized by grade level and focus on three domains:
Academic Development – Supports students in developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for academic success, educational planning, and postsecondary readiness.
Career Development – Helps students explore career interests, understand the world of work, and make informed decisions about education and career pathways.
Social-Emotional Development – Assists students in developing self-awareness, interpersonal skills, responsible decision-making, conflict resolution skills, and personal well-being.
School Counseling Programs
Elementary School Counseling Program (K–5)
The Elementary School Counseling Program in Prince William County Public Schools is designed to meet the needs of all students and to be inclusive, preventive, and developmental in nature. School counseling is available in each Prince William County school according to the Virginia State Standards of Quality. Each school's counseling department designs and implements a comprehensive school counseling program to address the needs of the students and each school community which is served. Elementary school counselors work with all stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, and staff) together to collaboratively partner in the educational process.
Why Elementary School Counselors?
The elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. In a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents, and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, and early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success. An elementary school counselor holds a master's degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today's students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor's knowledge and effectiveness.
Resources
- Elementary School (K-5) Counseling Curriculum
- Parental Notification: K-12 School Counseling Services
- Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Schools (PDF)
- ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success (PDF)
Contact Us
- Anne Henry, Supervisor of Elementary Counseling and Related Services, [email protected]
- Yannette Valdivia, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
- Kimberly Simpson, Military Achievement Specialist, [email protected]
- Dr. Deborah Ransom, Project Director - DODEA, [email protected]
- Lisa James, Elementary School Counseling Support Specialist, [email protected]
Secondary School Counseling Program (6-12)
The Secondary School Counseling Program is a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, which is available in each Prince William County middle and high school. Communication and support among school counselors and school counseling directors is provided through meetings, consultation, and correspondence to ensure the effective operation of school counseling programs in compliance with guidelines, regulations, and legal requirements.
Why Middle School Counselors?
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world, and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents, and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master's degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today's students.
Why High School Counselors?
High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment, and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional high school counselor holds a master's degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with educational reform and challenges facing today's students.
Counseling Resources
- Middle School (6-8) Counseling Curriculum
- High School (9-12) Counseling Curriculum
- Parental Notification: K-12 School Counseling Services
- Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Schools (PDF)
- ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success (PDF)
Contact Us
- Claire Handville, Supervisor of Secondary Counseling and Related Services, [email protected]
- Brooklyn Hilton, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
When Your Student Needs Assistance
Visit this webpage to find a comprehensive list of family resources to support the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students in Prince William County Public Schools.