The counseling program provides direct services in educational and occupational planning as well as personal development and adjustment. The primary function is to assist all students in assessing their abilities, interests and needs so they can make intelligent decisions concerning their education and future plans.
School counselors link together the many people involved in a student's education. It is very important that students and parents/guardians communicate with the counselor concerning questions or concerns relating to school. Counselors make scheduled contacts with their students during the four years of high school. However, students are encouraged to meet with their counselor as often as is needed. This can be done by making an appointment before school, after school, during lunch, or between classes.
The counseling department is open to all students, parents, guardians and teachers from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM and at other times by appointment. To speak with a counselor or leave a message, please call 518-561-7500. For Alan Feazelle you can use extension 5072, Amy Tisdale can be reached at extension 5074, and June Pernice will be available at extension 5073. The office professional for the counseling department is Lori Schudde, extension 5071. You can also reach the student advocate, Heather Hall, at extension 5075.
Services Offered for Students:
Personal/Social Services
One-On-One and Group Counseling
The counselors at Plattsburgh High School are available during walk in hours and also by appointment to help you with any personal or social needs or issues you may have. Please note that the guidance department and other counseling staff in the building (Student Advocate, School Psychologists) are available for individual counseling and there is some availability for counseling in a group setting as well.Referral To Community Agencies
The counselors are aware of, and in contact with, a variety of community mental health agencies specializing in individual and family counseling. The Student Advocate and School Psychologists work closely with community agencies as well. Please feel free to discuss these resources with any of the PHS Counseling staff. Provided that no known violation of school policy has occurred, a student will receive assistance with issues. The school will create a climate and provide resources by which a student may seek and receive education, referral and/or counseling related to the problem. As with any medical condition, costs associated with medical treatment will be the responsibility of the student’s family.Academic Services
Class Scheduling and Planning (Academic)
Your counselor will meet with you once a year (at least) to devise a schedule that meets your academic needs, adheres to standards and requirements of New York State, and appeals to your interests and future career plans. Please note that counselors in the PHS Guidance Department are always willing to provide additional help if your initial course selection needs to be altered to meet your academic needs.Career/College Services
College And Career Information Center (Career)
The counseling office serves as a storehouse for information concerning higher education and careers for future planning. Computer programs (nycareerzone.org), higher education catalogues and occupational catalogues are readily available to students and parents/guardians. Career interest inventories are provided online or on an individual basis. The counseling department maintains a list of college open houses and local information (noted on the School Counseling Department Calendar). Additional information may be available at our Plattsburgh High School Guidance Department website.College And Career Planning
Each school counselor is dedicated to helping every student gain access to the information and knowledge they need to develop/explore career opportunities and the educational training that they need to attain his/her career goals. Individual student planning (career counseling) is available and it is encouraged that students visit his/her counselor to discuss career aspirations and interests so that together the student and counselor can create a plan for the future. If college is a process goal needed to be able to attain the student’s career choice, counselors will work with students discussing college choices and provide insight into the process of applying to college. Further aid is given to students who need help completing college applications and letters of recommendation.Occupational/Vocational Counseling and Opportunities
The counseling staff offers information regarding the following programs:Vocational School Opportunities- CV-TEC
Any student interested in pursuing a program in a vocational-technical school should contact his/her counselor for information and an application. Vocational course work can be arranged for Junior and Senior high school students through Champlain Valley Services.Please feel free to call your counselor for more information or visit the CV-TEC website.
Work Experience (Summer work program)
This program is designed to place students in supervised work sites that relate to
their short- and long-term vocational interests. Please contact your counselor for more information about the summer work program and other opportunities for summer employment.Working Papers
All students between the ages of 14-17 must obtain working papers before
beginning employment. These may be obtained from the main office.
Students ages 14/15 must:1. Secure employment
2. Pick-up working papers in the main office
3. Obtain signature(s) from a.) employer, b.) physician/school nurse, c.) parent/guardian
4. Return forms to the main office
5. File copy at school - copy to employerStudents ages 16/17 must:
1. Secure employment
2. Complete forms in the guidance office
3. Copy filed at high school - copy to employerAdapted from a description of services originally written by: Erica Tobrocke, Ashley Mason, Julie Timmons and other students in the Plattsburgh State University, School Counseling Masters Program.