School Counseling Plan

The SENSE Charter School Counseling Program promotes the academic, social-emotional, and college/career readiness development of all students through equitable, data-driven, and student-centered services. In partnership with families, educators, and community stakeholders, the counseling program supports the whole child while fostering resilience, self-awareness, leadership, and lifelong success.

SENSE Charter School believes that all students can achieve academic success and develop the social-emotional competencies necessary to thrive. The school counseling program is an integral component of the educational experience and provides proactive, preventive, and responsive services that address the diverse needs of students, including those identified as high ability, English learners, students with disabilities, and students from historically underrepresented populations.

The counseling program will:

1. Promote academic achievement for all students.

2. Support social-emotional development and wellness.

3. Foster positive school culture and student engagement.

4. Reduce barriers to learning.

5. Support transitions between grade levels.

6. Address the unique academic and affective needs of High Ability learners.

7. Ensure equitable access to support services and advanced learning opportunities.

Tier I: Universal Supports (All Students)

• Conflict resolution

• Emotional regulation

• Community partnerships for physical and emotional needs

• Trauma Informed initiatives

• Attendance supports

• Mental health awareness

• High school guidance

• Family workshops

Tier II: Targeted Supports

• Small group counseling

• Grief and loss support

• Social skills instruction

• Responsive whole-class lessons

Tier III: Intensive Supports

• Long-term individual counseling

• Crisis response

• Short-term counseling

• Safety planning

• Behavioral intervention support

• Community mental health referrals

• Family support services

• McKinney Vento support

• Individual student check-ins

• Parent support consultations

SENSE recognizes that High Ability students have unique academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs that require intentional support.

Academic Supports

• Individual learning plans when appropriate

• High School placement discussions

• Collaboration with High Ability teachers

• Student advocacy

Social-Emotional Supports for High Ability Students

Perfectionism

Students learn strategies for:

• Healthy risk-taking

• Managing mistakes

• Growth mindset development

Anxiety and Stress Management

Support includes:

• Coping strategies

• Emotional regulation

• Academic balance

Underachievement

Counselors work with students to:

• Increase engagement

• Identify barriers

• Strengthen motivation

Peer Relationships

Students receive support regarding:

• Social belonging

• Leadership development

• Positive peer interactions

High Ability Counseling Services

• Individual counseling

• Small groups

• Mediations and conflict resolution

Key Stakeholders

The counseling program operates in partnership with:

• Students

• Families

• Teachers

• Administrators

• Special Education Staff

• Community Partners

• Mental Health Providers

Together, these stakeholders ensure that every SENSE student receives the academic, social-emotional, and developmental support necessary to achieve success and realize their full potential.