West Fargo Public Schools
Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center

Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center

Counseling & Guidance Department


Providing academic, career, and personal/social support to ALL students.

Mission Statement

  • The mission of the Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center School Counseling Program is to provide a comprehensive developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career, personal, and social development of ALL students.
  • School counselors are professional school advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and achievement.
  • In partnership with other educators, parents/guardians, and the community, school counselors will facilitate a support system to ensure all students have access to the tools enabling them to become responsible and productive citizens.

Philosophy

The School Counselors at Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center will:

  • Engage students in classroom, group, and/or individual activities to enhance student achievement and development
  • Use data to drive program development and evaluation. Use data to actively monitor student results
  • Provide responsive services such as crisis counseling, individual and group support services, and referrals when appropriate
  • Provide education and support to staff members and parents/guardians
  • Abide by the professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American School Counselor Association

Group Counseling

The following groups are available during the school day. Other groups may be initiated if there is a common interest or concern/need. Participants may be referred by themselves, parents, faculty, and friends. Group sessions are held weekly and usually meet six to eight times. Meeting times are rotated so that a student will not miss the same class repeatedly. Students are expected to make up all work missed during group. All groups are facilitated by School Counselors or Outreach Workers.

Family Change Group - Are your parents divorced or separated? Do you feel pressure from living in two different homes? Are you having trouble adjusting to a new home or step-siblings and/or parents? This group is designed to help students facing family change situations practice good self-care and coping skills.

Friendship Group - Are you finding it difficult to make friends? Do you and your old friends seem to have little in common? This group is designed to enrich your communication skills and meet new people.

Grief Group - Is it difficult to deal with a loss of a family member, friend, or pet? Grief is also what we feel when we leave a hometown or lose a friend. This group is designed to address and discuss grief issues and coping skills.

Anger Control Group - Do you have trouble maintaining self-control in certain situations or dealing with your anger? Learn anger management techniques in this group.

School Success Group - The goal of the School Success Group is to help 9th grade students feel more comfortable and confident in their academic achievement and expectations. The group focuses on academic skills that include note taking, test taking, organization and time management, study skills, reading novels and text books, dealing with test anxiety and goal setting.

Concerned Persons Group - Are you concerned about someone else using drugs or alcohol? This is a support group for teens who have a parent/guardian, friend, or relative with an active alcohol or drug use problem. The focus of the group is how to practice good self-care and coping skills while living in a stressful family situation with an impaired parent.

Career Discovery Group - Do you want to explore different careers while finding out your interests? Are you interested in beginning your college search? This group will allow for exploration and discovery into careers and professions.

Girls Group- This is a group designed to support any girl with the issues associated with being a teenager and a student.

Boys Group -This group is designed to support students in the issues they face every day. Through speakers, group learning, and shared experience, these students grow in the understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Safe Zone - This is a support group for lesbian and gay students and for teens who have a lesbian or gay parent/guardian, friend, or relative.

New Packers Group - For new students and transfer students who arrive at Sheyenne throughout the school year. This group supports new Packers as they transition into Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center. It's a great way to meet new friends, know the school rules and expectations and get adjusted to being a Packer!


Confidentiality

School Counselors are required by law to maintain student confidentiality. Anything discussed in groups between students is strictly confidential. Confidentiality between the student and the counselor is maintained except in the following circumstances:

  • Student expresses intent to harm self or others
  • Counselor feels referral to outside agency and/or school administrator is necessary
  • Abuse and Neglect is mandated to be reported to local officials
  • At the student's request

 

Contact Information:

 

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