The mission of the Counseling Center is two-fold:
- To provide support services to students for development through the high school years including both the personal and academic needs of the student.
- To provide assistance and support for students as they prepare and plan for post-high school education and/or careers
Counselors work collaboratively with school staff, students, parents, and community and business professionals to offer a full range of the Counseling Center. Some of the services are offered to all students in an organized program, while others are available only at your request. Follow the links above to learn more about these services.
There are five full-time counselors. They provide an important resource in the areas of career, college, and personal counseling.
Click here for counseling center staff contact information.
Individual Counseling
While academic advising is available to all students, counselors work primarily with those students who are struggling academically and failing courses. Academic failure can be a symptom, or warning sign, of a larger problem. Therefore, individual academic counseling may also address learning difficulties and personal issues that are adversely affecting a student’s academic performance.
Small Groups
Improving Lower Test Scores: Test anxiety, study skills, learning style, and test preparation will be addressed in this group. Please sign-up in the counseling center if you are interested
Other Student Resources:
Peer tutoring is available for most academic subjects. Junior and senior National Honor Society members generally serve as peer tutors. Tutoring occurs one to three times a week during a student’s resource time. The tutoring program is orchestrated through the library where tutor request forms can be filled out at the circulation desk. Tutor request forms are also available in the counseling center. It is recommended that students request a tutor early in the semester to assure tutor availability.
Feedback from teachers is an excellent way for students to monitor their progress throughout the semester or school year. It is also a way for parents to link with teachers and to constantly stay informed of their child’s progress. Edline is Pius’ internet progress report system and is accessible to students and parents.
Summer School
During the Spring months l, the Counseling Center collects information and registration forms from several school districts and MATC regarding summer school opportunities for students who have failed a required course. Parents of students who have credit shortages are notified. Before processing summer school registration forms, the counselors provide consultation to parents and students on summer school options. Some students attempt to deal with semester hour shortages by taking extra courses during the school year. Experience has shown that in many cases these students fall further behind, unable to cope with added academic burdens. The students who have been most successful in eliminating the deficits are those who have followed Pius’ recommendation that they attend summer school.