Responsive Services Component

Responsive services, accessed through the individual school counselor, include both proactive and reactive interventions to deal with both the immediate and longer-term needs and concerns of our students.  The Pupil Personnel staff has received extensive professional training and possesses those skills necessary for effectively addressing the immediate needs of students.

Individual Counseling
The Platt Pupil Personnel staff consults with individual students to assess and clarify concern and/or problematic situations.  The student, Pupil Personnel staff, parent or staff member may initiate such counseling.  The Pupil Personnel staff reacts to the concern by taking action in an appropriate manner through continued counseling, referral of the student to other support staff or community agencies, and/or dissemination of information.  The issue of confidentiality and the obligation to report thoughts of suicide, suspected cases of abuse and threat of harm or violence to self or others are of particular concern.  The Pupil Personnel staff acts in accordance with school district policies and State and Federal laws.

Peer Mediation
The Pupil Personnel staff responds to disagreements among two or more individuals through a mediation process.  Peer mediation of student conflict can be an effective adjunct to the school counseling program, especially when it is complemented by school counseling lessons for all students (Developmental Guidance Curriculum) on the area of conflict resolution.  Trained peer mediators can draw upon the communication skills and problem-solving techniques taught to all students to help settle issues arising with increasing frequency at all educational levels.

Group Counseling
The Pupil Personnel staff conducts small group sessions for students to discuss an issue common to all members of the chosen group.  Such issues may deal with grief, anger management, communication skills, peer relationships, academic performance, conflict resolution and/or substance abuse, among many others.  Group counseling is usually short term.  Counselors are familiar with, and utilize appropriate group processing skills, including emphasis upon the importance of confidentiality issues. 

Student Assistance Model
The Pupil Personnel staff plays an integral role as a member of the Student Assistance Team (SAT), which is comprised of a representative from administration, teachers, counselors, and support staff.  The Pupil Personnel staff may refer students to the team for observable behaviors.  Examples of these include, but are not limited to, a drop in academic performance, sudden change in behavior or demeanor, or frequent emotional outburst.  In addition, the team gathers data and helps develop action plans for students.  A Pupil Personnel member may conduct short-term groups; provide individual counseling; function as a case manager for the student, or refer the student to other support systems. 

Referrals
The Pupil Personnel staff makes use of other professional services and resources, within both the school and community, as additional sources of assistance to both students and parents, when appropriate.  Services may address academic, social, economic, family or mental health needs.  Referrals may be made to mental health agencies for concerns such as substance abuse, suicidal ideation, depression, safety issues, or threats of violence to others.