Dear Parents,

As school counselors, we strive to work with all students and encourage a safe school climate of trust and respect. We are able to meet with students in an individual or small group setting that involves short term, brief, and solution-focused counseling. Our goal is to help students who are struggling to make positive behavior choices. We hope to collaborate with parents, guardians, teachers, support staff, and administration all with the common purpose of doing what is in the best interest of the student. As counselors, we maintain the confidentiality of students and their families unless there is a need to know or safety concern. Additionally, we would like to provide the Westminster community with educational information about students' social-emotional needs. While we do not provide long term individual counseling, we can provide referrals and help connect families with outside resources. Counselors do not assist in disciplinary action, tell teachers how to teach, or parents how to parent. However, we would love to come alongside you and be a part of your team to help your student navigate situations that may arise so that they may flourish.

Sincerely,

Mitch Welborn and Caitlin Vinson

Vision Statement:
We strive to empower all students to reach their maximum potential by using a comprehensive program that addresses academic, personal/social, and spiritual goals.  We strive to promote an environment to encourage personal assessment and growth, social responsibility, and spiritual growth.  We believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community. We strive to be an extension of the Christian home.

Beliefs:

• All children are unique and should be treated with respect and dignity.
• Every student can succeed.
• Learning is a lifelong process.
• Fostering a positive self-image is the collaborative effort of the school, home, and community which leads to being a responsible and productive member of society.
• A comprehensive, developmental school counseling program is both a support service and an integral part of the total education experience.
• A developmentally-appropriate school counseling program provides important benefits to individual students by addressing their spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and psychological needs.