Decatur High School has a comprehensive counseling program designed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of 13 to 20 year olds. All students have equitable access to the counseling program. DHS counselors seek to remove barriers to learning and provide opportunities and supports, which will empower students to reach higher towards their full potential so that they can achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. School Counselors deliver prevention, intervention, and responsive services that support the academic, career, personal, interpersonal, and healthy development of all students.

Confidentiality is a key component for working with students and parents. Every effort will be made to maintain that confidentiality. Confidentiality is the counselor’s commitment to respect the students’ privacy by not divulging anything shared in a counseling session except under certain limited conditions. These conditions generally include safety issues (to prevent serious and foreseeable harm to self and/or others), legal issues, and professional responsibilities. The American School Counselor Association's Ethical Standards for School Counselors are available here.

Each student is assigned to a specific counselor’s caseload according to their last name in 10th-12th grades and will remain with that counselor until they graduate (see chart above). 9th graders are assigned to the 9th grade counselor. The school counselors are the primary academic advisors in the school. Counselors help each student select the most appropriate program of study to ensure success in high school and to plan for the years after graduation. The Graduation Coach and Student Engagement Specialist's caseloads are comprised of students who need specific additional assistance to meet graduation requirements along with the remainder of their initial 9th grade cohort.

The Decatur High School counseling program emphasizes equity, access, and success by implementing a data informed counseling program which inspires all students to grow and develop as learners, thinkers, and inquirers. This is accomplished through meaningful, motivating, and rewarding experiences which are facilitated by highly qualified, caring adults in a safe, supportive, and inviting environment that provide resources and remove barriers to help all students achieve their highest potential and prepare for career, college, and life.

The Decatur High School counseling program creates young adults engaged in activities and pursuits that showcase them at their best, achieving their dreams, and making the world a better place.

(Linked to ASCA Mindsets 1, 3, 4, and 7)

M 1. Every student can learn, and every student can succeed.

M 3. Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities.

M 4. Every student should have access to a comprehensive school counseling program.

M 7. Comprehensive school counseling programs promote and enhance student academic, career and social/emotional outcomes.

Who Should I Contact for Extra Support?

• 504 Plans - Ms. Irby-Zaleski
• Mental Health/HHB re-entry- Ms. Irby-Zaleski
• Schedules- Mr. Hatfield, Ms. Sturm Barber
• Behavior/Restorative Practices- Mr. Hatfield, Ms. Sturm Barber, Ms. Jennifer Jones
• Attendance- Mr. Hatfield