School Counselor

The School Counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and students to promote student success in the areas of social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. The primary role of the School Counselor is to implement a comprehensive student support system that ensures each and every student receives the resources and supports he/she needs to be successful and healthy. This is achieved by implementing direct services, such as one to one check-ins, small group counseling, classroom lessons; and indirect services, such as connecting students and families with community resources, collaboration with parents and school staff, and advocating for students.

The School Counselor is part of Boston College’s City Connects program. City Connects is a school-based intervention program that connects each student to a tailored set of prevention, intervention, and enrichment services that will help them thrive. Every student is assessed for strengths and needs across multiple domains in order to develop their tailored set of services and supports that will promote academic and personal growth. This is done through an annual Whole Class Review process conducted by the School Counselor.

Additionally, the School Counselor:

• Leads the student support team process in the school
• Collaborates with school staff to implement the City Connects model
• Helps engage families and caregivers in supporting the education of their children
• Recommends and connects family members to services needed
• Supports student transitions
• Assists in financial needs of families
• Responds to family crises
• Provides social/emotional learning curricula at the classroom level
• Assists parents/guardians in addressing disciplinary or behavior issues at home
• Finds ways to address language barriers
• Collects data on services each student receives

The School Counselor works closely with school personnel and community agencies to learn about a wide range of programs, services, and enrichment opportunities that can benefit students. The School Counselor also works with school staff to develop creative ways to provide in‐school support for children. Some examples of the types of services to which the School Counselor can help connect your child include:

• Before and after‐school programs
• Academic support or tutoring
• Enrichment opportunities in sports, music, or art
• Vacation and summer programs
• Counseling
• Mentoring
• Social skills groups
• Health care services
• Ideas to support positive behavior at home

How can I get my child connected?
City Connects is always happy to meet with families and share resources that can help support your child and your family. The School Counselor at Saint Columbkille Partnership School is available to talk to parents and caregivers about how we can work together to ensure that your child has the support he/she needs to thrive. Please reach out to the School Counselor, Megan McShane, [email protected] or at 617-254-3110 ext. 155.