Welcome to the OVMS Counselors' Corner!

Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm
Phone: 856-582-5176, Fax 856-589-0197

Our school counselors have Master's Degrees and are professionally trained in the three domains of school counseling: academic success, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development. Click here for the American School Counselor Association description of the middle school counselor.

 

The mission of the Washington Township Middle School Counseling program is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academicand social/emotional development of all students.  The Middle School Counseling program, aligned with the mission of the district, will advocate for all students by enhancing the overall school climate and helping students acquire developmentally appropriate skills which are necessary to become productive, responsible, and civic-minded students.  The school counselor will work in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians, administration, and community resources.  This partnership will provide all students with the opportunities to acquire the personal/social, organizational and problem solving skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become lifelong learners, and responsible, contributing citizens in our society.

 

Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)
Click here for the Association of the Student Assistance Professionals of New Jersey role
According to a very strict Federal Regulation (42 CFR), the Student Assistance Counselor cannot disclose to anyone any information that a student discusses with them, without the permission of the student. There are only two exceptions to this law. The first is in instances where the student expresses the desire to hurt himself/herself or another person. The second exception involves situations of abuse. In both cases the SAC is obligated to inform school or legal personnel.

However, there are a few exceptions to this law.  If a student tells the SAC that he/she wishes to hurt him/herself or anyone else, actions must be taken to prevent this from happening.  Also, if a student discloses that abuse is happening to him/her, the SAC counselor has the obligation to report the abuse.

With this confidentiality law, students feel more comfortable disclosing information to their counselors.  In most cases holding information in and letting it build can have a detrimental effect.  The SAC gives the students the opportunity to vent in a safe place where they know the information will not leave the office. 

All About Our Staff!