Eastern Mennonite School: School Counseling FAQ

1. How do students get to know the guidance counselors?
All new 6-12 students are invited to have a pizza lunch with Mrs. Glanzer and Mrs. Nafziger during the first month of school. We discuss the transition to EMS and listen to their observations. They get an open invitation to stop in the guidance office whenever and for whatever they need. Sixth graders get to know the guidance counselors through classroom guidance.

Throughout the year there are scheduled times for students in grades 10-12 to meet with a guidance counselor. Classroom work is done with all grades.

2. How do parents contact the guidance counselors?
Parents are welcome to call or email the counselors any time they have a concern and the sooner the better. The counselors wish to team with parents to get the best possible social, spiritual and academic outcome for the student.

An online resource recommended by the American School Counseling Association and also endorsed by Sean Covey (author, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens) www.parentingteensonline.com.

An excellent web site to keep parents informed about teen culture is http://www.cpyu.org.

3. Is individual counseling available?
Student concerns are dealt with individually and confidentially. Counselors are required by law and ethics to report threats of self injury or injury to others. Consultation between counselors is used when needed.

Free multi-session counseling is available with the EMU Masters in Counseling intern or area counselors may be recommended. Harrisonburg area has excellent resources for special needs like OCD, eating disorders, sexual assault or abuse etc.

4. Where do students get training in life skills?
Life skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Mediation is taught for a week in Bible 10; the Collins Center trains students in appropriate gender relationship in 8th and 10th health classes, assertiveness skills are taught in Human Development, friendship skills in 6th grade and so on.

5. What resources are available for students who struggle academically?
Both the English and math departments operate learning labs from Monday through Thursday 3:00-3:30. Students may drop in for all kinds of help with both subjects.

Students who need daily help may be recommended to sign up for Reading and Study Skills, a class which meets everyday throughout the semester. Daily tutoring with an individual tutor is recommended for students who need more intensive work. Tutoring is an added cost to tuition.

6. How important is an advanced diploma which includes 3 years of language and 4 years of science, math, English and social sciences?
All students should select as broad and deep a curriculum as possible but for students aspiring to a competitive college like JMU, Mary Washington, Virginia Tech an advance diploma is expected. For the most competitive Virginia colleges like William and Mary and UVA additional courses in math, sciences, and English are highly recommended. An advanced diploma is only one part of the criteria that will be reviewed by these colleges—GPA and SAT’s are equally important, along with other criteria.

7. How are students advised in their choice of courses?
Each student from 8th -12th is given individual assistance both before and during the registration process. Parents are also welcome to make appointments or email prior to registration for advisement. Additionally, parents are welcome to come the day of registration if your child is interested in having you as part of the process. Advising also takes place throughout the year if students want to change courses.

8. What resources are available for a student who needs special testing?
The school psychologists from Harrisonburg City are available for testing students while they attend EMHS when testing is deemed necessary. IEPs are also developed when necessary. The Shenandoah Valley Child Development Clinic at JMU also does testing for a fee, as do a number of independent psychologists in this area.

9. How do students sign up for PSAT’s and SAT’s?
All juniors at EMHS take the PSAT and therefore do not need to sign up or pay. Access to a PSAT preparation web site has been purchased by EMHS at http://www.bridges.com. Our EMHS online id is 10000500 and password is eastmen (all lowercase). Note, you will need to set up your own portfolio.

Students may sign up for the SAT at the Collegeboard website. Paper materials are also available in the guidance office. A student can register for the ACT at http://www.act.org.

Juniors should take the SAT/ACT once during their junior year after Christmas and senior should take the SAT/ACT before Christmas.

10. If my child is having social issues at school with friends or classmates how can I get help?
It is wise to call the guidance counselor to alert him/her so that a possible solution can be worked on and to consult about what else may be involved in the situation. Some social issues are not quickly resolved but take discreet work by the teachers, parents and student teaming together. A satisfactory conclusion is usually reached.

EMS does not permit bullying, sexual harassment, hazing or name calling. Please call for help when it is needed or when you feel something should be reported. These calls are kept as confidential as you wish.

11. What should I do if my child is having difficulties with a teacher over a period of time?
If possible begin by talking to the teacher; if this is not possible contact the guidance counselors or the principal. Direct attention will be given to getting a complete picture of the situation and working toward an understanding of the needs of the student.