School Counseling Plan 2025–26
What Parents Should Know About the 2025–2026 School Counseling Plan
The Brewster Central School District’s K–12 School Counseling Plan is designed to support every student’s academic success, emotional well-being, and future career planning. It ensures that all students have access to certified school counselors who work collaboratively with families, teachers, and the broader community.
Key Goals of the Counseling Program
- Help students develop critical skills: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, adaptability, civic responsibility, and perseverance.
- Promote equity so all students—regardless of background—can succeed.
- Prepare students for college, careers, and life through early exposure and long-term planning.
- Provide support for students’ mental health, social-emotional development, and academic achievement.
How Support is Delivered
Counselors work directly with students 80% of the time through:
- Classroom lessons
- Small group sessions
- Individual meetings (grades 6–12 complete annual progress reviews)
They also provide indirect support, like:
- Collaborating with teachers and families
- Making referrals to outside services
- Participating in school data and support teams
Support by Grade Level
Elementary (K–5)
- Focus on social-emotional learning and building foundational academic/career skills.
- Lessons may be co-taught with classroom teachers.
- Small groups to help with issues like conflict resolution.
Middle School (6–8)
- Begin career exploration.
- Learn to set goals and build relationships.
- Annual individual progress meetings with counselors.
High School (9–12)
- Develop and update post-graduation plans using tools like SchooLinks.
- Learn to align your strengths and interests with course choices and career paths.
- Support for college applications, job prep, and internships.
Career & College Readiness
- Starts with exposure in elementary school (guest speakers, field trips)
- Moves to exploration in middle school (career fairs, assessments)
- Ends with experience in high school (internships, dual-enrollment, apprenticeships)
How the Program Is Managed & Improved
- Each school has dedicated counselors and follows a data-informed plan.
- A Counseling Advisory Council (including parents!) meets twice a year to review progress.
- Counselors continuously monitor their work and student outcomes to improve services.
How Parents Can Engage
- Participate in advisory meetings if invited
- Attend school counseling events
- Talk with your child’s school counselor about academic plans, social-emotional concerns, or college/career readiness
Our Shared Vision
At Brewster, we believe every student can succeed with the proper support. Our counseling program is here to make sure students are ready not just for school, but for life.