Guidance

Guidance and Counseling

Mission Statement: The purpose of the school counseling program is to serve as a foundation, imparting specific skills and learning opportunities in a proactive and preventive manner, ensuring that all cultures, learning styles and individual abilities of students can achieve school success through academic, career and personal/social developmental experiences in a safe, nurturing environment.



Mrs. Wulf's Page
 - High School Counselor

Miss Nussbaum's Page - Junior High Counselor

Ms. Putnam Genz's Page - College and Career Counselor


Guidance and Counseling Philosophy:

We Believe...

  • All students have a right to a quality and rigorous education
  • All students have a right to a safe and supportive learning environment
  • All students have a right to services that support academic, career, and personal/social growth
  • All students have the right to be heard and treated with dignity and respect
  • All students have the right to a credentialed school counselor who collaborates with other educators, families, and the community as an advocate for student success.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Guidance Program:

What are the goals of the Columbus Guidance Program?

• To work with all K-12 students, school staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the education program in a developmental manner.

• To promote school success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy, and social/emotional and career development.

• To impart specific knowledge, attitude and skills which ensures that all students can achieve school success in the academic, career, and personal/social domains.

What Is A School Counselor?

  • An Iowa certified professional with a Master's Degree and specialized training
  • An educator who advocates for all students
  • A coordinator of services
  • A consultant
  • A group leader
  • A mediator
  • A professional helping teachers, parents, and others to understand the development of children and youth
  • A professional who helps children understand themselves and others

What Does A School Counselor Do?

  • Counsels with students individually and in groups
  • Provides developmental classroom guidance activities
  • Responds to students' needs in crisis situations
  • Orients new students to school programs and settings
  • Works with potential drop-outs and other at-risk students
  • Actively participates in the referral process for helping students and families connect with community agencies
  • Analyzes test results and provides information about students' abilities, achievements, interests, and needs
  • Coordinates efforts with other school professionals
  • Conducts conferences with parents
  • Guides students' school and career plans
  • Adheres to ethical and legal standards
  • Pursues opportunities for professional growth
  • Conducts periodic evaluation of the school counseling and guidance program

What Skills Do School Counselors Teach?

  • Self-understanding and self-confidence
  • Motivation
  • Decision-making, goal-setting and planning
  • Conflict resolution
  • Interpersonal relationships/social skills
  • Communication skills
  • Respect for others
  • Appreciation for cultural/ethnic diversity
  • Responsible behavior
  • Career awareness
  • Self-empowerment and resiliency

At What Levels Do Counselors Serve Students?

  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • High School

How Is A Referral Made To A School Counselor?

  • Student self-referral
  • Teacher or principal referral
  • Parent referral
  • Peer referral
  • Counselor observation

Why Should Parents Contact a Counselor?

  • Academic achievement concerns
  • School registration, orientation, or transition
  • Test interpretation
  • Special student needs
  • Student crisis situation
  • Family transitions
  • Students' continuing education or employment issues