Counseling Department

High School Fair (Spanish)

What is the role of a school counselor?

It is the school counselor's role to support all students in three areas: academic, social emotional, and college and career. These three areas are addressed through school counseling core curriculum (i.e. SchooLinks Post-Secondary Lessons), responsive services (i.e. crisis response), individual student planning (i.e. high school applications), and indirect services (i.e. referrals or consultation with teachers/parents). More information about a school counselor's role here.

All Tier 2 and 3 social emotional interventions (check-in/check out, attendance groups, etc.) are established in collaboration with Garvy’s Behavioral Health Team.

What Tier 2 and 3 interventions does Garvy offer?

Click here to see our Menu of Interventions!

At Garvy, the school counselors also work with several community partners to support our families and staff including:

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
Junior Achievement
Rainbows
Chicago Police Department
Hubbard Street Dance

What does confidentiality look like when speaking with the school counselor?

Everything you share with the school counselor stays with the school counselor unless it is reported someone is hurting you, you are hurting someone else, or you are hurting yourself. These things need to be shared in order to keep everyone safe.

What’s the difference between a school counselor and an outside therapist?

School counselors provide referrals to school and community resources that treat mental health issues (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse and depression) with the intent of removing barriers to learning and supporting students in the classroom. School counselors focus on providing short-term solution focused interventions, such as social skills groups and check in/check out. School counselors do not provide long term counseling or therapy within the school setting.

What is Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and what does it look like at Garvy?

MTSS is a framework designed to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students.

Academic Support V. Social-Emotional/Behavior Support

Tier 1: Universal (All Students)

• High-quality core curriculum instruction.

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

• Differentiated instruction inside classrooms.

• School-wide expectations and routines.

• Restorative practices and community circles.

• Explicit SEL instruction (e.g., Second Step).

Tier 2: Targeted (Some Students)

• Small-group targeted literacy support.