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Overview
About Counseling
The purpose of a school guidance counselor is to help students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges so that they can succeed in school and in life. Some of the main responsibilities of a school guidance counselor include:
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Academic support: Guidance counselors help students develop academic skills and strategies to succeed in school. They may provide tutoring, study skills workshops, or guidance on course selection and college admissions.
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Career counseling: Guidance counselors help students explore career interests and opportunities, providing guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and networking.
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Personal and social support: Guidance counselors provide emotional support to students dealing with personal or social issues. They may offer counseling services, conflict resolution, or referrals to outside resources.
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Crisis intervention: In the event of a crisis, such as a student experiencing a mental health crisis, guidance counselors are trained to provide immediate support and connect students with appropriate resources.
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Advocacy: Guidance counselors advocate for students by identifying and addressing issues that may be affecting their academic or personal success. They work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed.
Overall, the purpose of a school guidance counselor is to provide students with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate the challenges of school and life, and to help them achieve their full potential.
Meet Your Counselors
Counseling News
There’s always something going on in the Counseling Department! Check out the latest happenings below, and contact us if you ever need assistance.
December 1, 2025
Kindness Matters at Mertz Middle School
Here are 10 easy ways to be kind: Smile and Greet: A simple smile and a friendly "hello" can brighten someone's day and create a positive connection without costing a thing. Active
November 28, 2025
Job shadowing answers basic career questions
One big question loomed over Kelsey Cost's interest in becoming a veterinarian. “I need to see if I can handle a surgery,” the Lakeside High senior said last week at Northside Animal Hospital. She
January 3, 2024
Leadership class gives back with 'Got Your Back' project
When students in the Leadership class at Lakeside Middle School were searching for a project that would make a difference in the community, they settled on an idea that would not only have impact
October 2, 2023
Trying to decide on a field of study?
There are several college majors that can lead to good-paying jobs. Some of the most in-demand and useful majors include: nursing biomedical engineering computer science finance game
October 2, 2023
SAT Prep Class
An SAT prep course is an excellent way for students to prepare for the test and improve their scores. These courses are designed to teach students the necessary skills and strategies to tackle the
September 28, 2023
Career Day
Mertz Middle will be hosting its second annual Career Day on Wednesday, April 5th! The purpose of Career Day is to expose students to a variety of careers in order to jumpstart their thinking about
Types of Scholarships
There are many different types of scholarships available to college students. Some of the most common include:
Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic or other achievements, such as athletic or artistic talent. They may cover all or part of a student's tuition and fees.- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on a student's financial need. Students must demonstrate financial need by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid forms.
- Diversity scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented or marginalized groups, such as racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, or students with disabilities.
- Community service scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service or volunteerism.
- Major-specific scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who are pursuing a specific field of study, such as engineering, nursing, or business.
- Athletic scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who excel in a particular sport, and cover all or part of a student's tuition and fees.
- Employer-sponsored scholarships: Some companies offer scholarships to employees or their children as a benefit of employment.
It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria can vary greatly depending on the college or university, so students should research the specific scholarships available at their school and in their area. Additionally, there are many private organizations and foundations that offer scholarships to college students based on a variety of criteria.