Counseling Curriculum

The counselors work with students individually, in small groups, and in the classroom setting to teach basic life-long skills that are essential for academic, personal and career success. Topics include decision making, study strategies, goal setting, career interests and many others.

The QVHS Guidance Curriculum is aligned to national and state standards.  Standards guide our work in the following domains: academic, personal/social, and career.  Please follow the links below to learn more about standards for professional school counseling.

Quaker Valley High School counselors work with all students on academic planning.  Through classroom, group and individual experiences, counselors assist students in making curricular and scheduling decisions that reflect the students’ abilities and goals.  Classroom lessons are taught prior to the Arena Scheduling process in the spring so that students can review their progress towards graduation in order to effectively take part in the development of their own schedules.  Students will meet individually with counselors to review their educational plans and course selections.

Rising 9th Grade Curriculum
Prior to the start of their freshmen year, the counselors visit the middle school to teach the eighth graders about the high school schedule, graduation requirements, courses, credits and the scheduling process.  In August, the first day of school is exclusively for 9th graders.  On that day, students tour the high school, learn more about high school clubs and activities, receive their Ipads and break out into small groups for Q&A with 11th and 12th graders.  Finally, 9th graders are invited to do a walk through on a scheduled day (prior to the first day of school) so they can see exactly where their classes and lockers are, meet some of their teachers and connect with counselors if they have any further questions about QVHS.

9th Grade School Counseling Curriculum
Counselors work with 9th grade students to help them acclimate to the high school experience. Counselors prioritize opportunities for students to engage in self-exploration within the domains of academic, social/emotional, and career. Students will be introduced to Naviance Student (previously Family Connection) to support this work with counselors over the next four year and into their post-secondary planning.

Additional topics covered in curriculum are student/counselor confidentiality, how to access mental health support through the school’s SAP team, understanding your digital footprint, bullying, and the school’s therapeutic support through Holy Family Institute, understanding your academic record and finally, PSAT prep/analysis of score reports. 

Counselors work with sophomore students to expand upon their self-exploration and continued planning for their future here at QVHS and beyond. Lessons will continue to include Naviance Student and a variety of different opportunities to support students throughout a multitude of different opportunities. 

Counselors in collaboration with the Office of Collegiate Affairs work with junior and senior students to review progress towards graduation. Students evaluate transcripts to determine areas of strength as well as areas for further development. Students are encouraged to utilize resources to locate information for a variety of post-secondary opportunities throughout their continued learning, work and life. Counselors will assist students in the selection of appropriate programs and/or institutions that will meet their personal, educational and career-related needs.