What does the Communications Lab class look like at HPS?

Communications Lab is known as group counseling at HPS.  All students in 7th through 12th grades attend group counseling three  times per week with their peers from their instructional group. Communications Lab/group counseling is led by a School Social Worker who facilitates the class throughout the school year.

What other counseling services are available for my student?

In addition to group counseling, students are able to request to have a brief and time-limited 1:1 session with a School Social Worker throughout the day while at school. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to share thoughts/feelings that are preventing the student from remaining in class, learn/practice coping strategies, develop strategies to resolve peer conflicts, and plan to reintegrate back into the classroom.

What is the process for my student to request/receive counseling support throughout the day?

If a student has an immediate need to speak with a School Social Worker, they must request permission from their teacher to leave class. A staff member will escort and sign a student into the counseling area (a.k.a. the bench). The student will wait on the bench for the next available counselor.

If a student needs to speak with a School Social Worker that is not of an urgent matter, they can sign their name on the counseling log clipboard outside of the counseling offices and then return to class. The counselor will find an appropriate time during the day to meet with the student.

What are other ways that the counselors are involved in my student’s HPS experience?

We believe that collaboration and consultation with parents and outside treatment providers is a necessary part of our program. With written permission from a parent/guardian (on a signed HPS Release of Information document), our School Social Workers can connect with outside treatment providers if necessary. (therapists, psychiatrists, CMO workers, other mental health/related professionals, etc.). Our School Social Workers also provide case management support by maintaining contact with district Child Study Team members.