Mission Statement:
The Burlington High School Counseling Department‘s mission is to support students in their academic, career, and personal development, fostering social and emotional growth through various counseling methods and partnerships with school, home, and community. We strive to empower students to achieve their highest potential, both personally and academically, and encourage them to be lifelong learners and engaged global citizens in an increasingly diverse society. Updated 3/21/24
The Counseling Department hosts events throughout the year to keep parents involved including the Counseling Breakfast Series and several parent/student planning nights. Planning nights are also shown on BCAT. While some topics are geared toward specific grade levels, others can be applicable across grade levels, such as “Dealing with Stress and Coping Strategies”, “the Course Selection Process,” an “Overview of Standardized Testing,” and presentations on the basics of Financial Aid.
The counselors work closely with students to develop competencies in the areas of educational, personal and vocational development. Through individual counseling, small group meetings, and large group presentations, counselors help students understand their learning strengths and weaknesses, select appropriate courses, plan for the transition to college and career, and meet personal challenges in a mature, productive way. Specific activities for each grade are described in the “Burlington High School Counseling Developmental Curriculum” that follows. Listed below are the competencies (based upon the MASCA- Massachusetts School Counselors Association- MA Career Development Association Benchmarks Crosswalk with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks), which the Counseling staff, along with the BHS faculty, works with students to foster:
A1: 21st-century academic, technical,and employability skills for success in school and in the workplace
A2: strong academic, technical, and employability skills for career and life management
A3: knowledge of how education and work are interrelated and contribute to the economy and society
A4: an appreciation for the relevance of education in their lives (i.e., answering, “Why do I need to know this?”)
W1: knowledge and skills in the planning and decision-making process
W2: an exploratory attitude toward self, life, and the world of work
W3: Workplace-specific knowledge and skills for employability and career advancement
W4: awareness of social and cultural conditions that affect career decision-making and workplace success
W5: knowledge of all aspects of an industry, service, trade, or occupation
PS1: attitudes, behaviors, knowledge, and skills that promote identity formation, personal responsibility,y and self-direction
PS2: attitudes, behavior,s and interpersonal skills to work and relate effectively with other
PS3: attitudes, behaviors and skills necessary for managing personal and environmental variables that impact career development
PS4: attitudes, behaviors, and skills that foster respect for diversity and work to eliminate stereotyping (at home, school, work and in the community.
Additionally, School Counselors are evaluated according to DESE standards, with a focus on the below standards in particular:
I-D-1: Strategic Planning for Systemic Delivery
Using district/school data, designs a measurable, strategic plan for the systematic delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program, including targeted interventions designed to address inequities and close achievement gaps
I-D-2: School Counseling Curriculum
Develops and delivers a standards-based counseling curriculum that supports all students in developing academic/technical competencies, career/workplace readiness, and the personal/social skills necessary for success in higher education, the workplace, and other postsecondary options
II-E-1: Academic Advising
Contributes to a college and career ready culture within the school by providing classroom activities, group counseling, or individual sessions that promote equity and access by supporting all students to prepare for, participate in, and succeed in rigorous academic programs
II-E-2: Transitions
Contributes to development, coordination, and implementation of effective strategies for grade-to-grade, school-to-school and school-to-post-secondary transitions for all students. Assesses the effectiveness of transition planning in positively impacting student achievement
II-E-3: Post-Secondary Planning
Provides all students with timely exposure to a wide range of postsecondary options; regularly provides feedback on all students’ postsecondary plans; and utilizes various career assessment techniques to assist students in understanding and developing their career abilities and interests
II-E-5: Responsive Services
Seeks out and implements evidence-based counseling theories and techniques to deliver short-term counseling interventions to resolve immediate conflicts/problems, intervene in school-specific situations that disrupt learning, and respond to crisis events. Assesses the effectiveness of interventions and responses in positively impacting student achievement
III-A-1: Parent/Family Engagement
Uses a variety of strategies to support every family to participate actively and appropriately in the classroom and school community
IV-C-1: Professional Collaboration
Consistently and effectively collaborates with colleagues in such work as developing standards-based units, examining student work, analyzing student performance, and planning appropriate interventions
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
In recognizing the right to equal access, Burlington High School admits students to all programs, courses of study, and any associated activities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or handicap.
The Burlington Public Schools do not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; on the basis of sex, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); or on the basis of sexual orientation or religion in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 71 and 151B.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AT BHS
All BHS Counselors hold master’s degrees in Counseling and are well-equipped to provide short-term counseling services to students to assist them in learning and practicing evidence-based coping skills. If students require longer-term counseling interventions, we are happy to assist them in connecting with longer-term services in the school or community.
Community Mental Health Resources:
Burlington Youth and Family Services (BYFS) is a therapeutic agency located in Burlington, MA. The agency services any family residing in town and offers supportive services such as; individual counseling, family counseling and parent support groups. BYFS services are offered during school hours at BHS. Call 781-270-1961.
Family Counseling Associates is a behavioral/mental health agency located in Burlington. New direct referral line available to all Burlington Public Schools students. School personnel or families can complete the attached direct referral line. Call 978-222-3121.
Interface is a free and confidential referral line for ALL Burlington residents to utilize. Will connect families/students with appropriate outpatient mental health services based on insurance, need, distance, presenting concerns, etc. Open to all ages. Call 888-244-6843.
Advocates is a local agency that provides emergency psychiatric services 24 hours a day. They can conduct evaluations and/or connect families to resources appropriate to their needs. Arrangements can be made to meet at the clinic, home, or school. Call 800-540-5806.
BHS Guidance Developmental Curriculum Overview & Grade Level Timelines