Student Assistance Counseling

Philosophy

Our goal is to assist students in having a successful, growth-filled experience at Altamont. Counseling services are aimed at helping students develop to their highest potential both academically and emotionally. Individual and group counseling provides students the opportunity to come to a better understanding of themselves and others. Issues surrounding peer relations, self-image, stress, and family problems often seem more manageable when students (or parents) have a safe place to talk in confidence to a trained professional.

All sessions are strictly confidential and will not be shared with others unless the student or parent requests as such. Exceptions to confidentiality are threats to harm one's self or others, and disclosures of abuse or neglect. In the rare case when confidentiality must be broken, the student will be informed first and then supported appropriately.

Student Support

In an effort to support students and to develop strategies for helping students, the Deans, in conjunction with the Headmaster and the Counselor, monitor the academic and personal progress of individual students. The Student Support Team meets weekly to discuss student progress and communicates their recommendations with the individual students, parents, teachers and advisors. Each student at Altamont has a faculty advisor, a teacher who is a genuinely interested adult advocate and friend. These advisors ensure that lines of communication always remain open among students, faculty and parents. In addition, each class has two designated faculty sponsors who work with students to promote honor, relieve stress, keep grades in perspective, provide a forum for age-appropriate topics, and foster relationships within their class and with faculty.

Help Sessions for those students who seek extra help in their classes are held in each of the core subject areas each week on the afternoon preceding the test day for that subject. Members of the faculty encourage students to take advantage of the resources which are provided for them, and are available for help throughout the school day.

Peer Tutoring

Peer tutoring is an effective teaching and motivational tool available for students who are struggling in one or more of their courses. Using teachers' suggestions and students' ideas to structure sessions, tutors help their peers understand concepts and build study skills. Peer tutors meet in the library once or twice a week before or after school.