George Washington High School Counseling Department Philosophy
George Washington High School Counselors adhere to the philosophy that the program is
an essential and integral part of the overall educational process. The comprehensive
program is built on the assumption that certain educational, career, and personal
objectives are attainable when school counseling for all students is provided. This
implementation acknowledges that school counseling is no longer a service to be offered
by one person, but a program coordinated with other educators incorporating a
comprehensive curriculum. Growth and learning are developmental; therefore, school
counseling must be developmental and sequential.
George Washington High School’s counseling program, when fully implemented, will
provide:
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A School Counseling program that reaches the needs of 100% of the student
population.
A programmatic approach to school counseling services and programs.
Accountability for school counseling programs.
Counselors who devote full time to the programs’ implementation as prescribed
by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.
Identification and achievement of student competencies and outcomes through the
School Counseling program.
George Washington High School Counseling Department Beliefs
To implement the School Counseling program at George Washington High School,
counselors are committed to the following.
We believe:
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All students have dignity and worth.
All students have the right to be served by the School Counseling program.
The School Counseling program shall be evaluated on stated goals and related
student competencies.
The school counseling program should be consistent with expected developmental
stages of learning.
School counseling program activities shall be planned and coordinated by the
counseling staff.
All students’ ethnic, cultural, and racial differences and special needs are
considered in the planning and implementation of the school counseling program.
The School Counseling program will utilize community resources.
The School Counseling program shall be managed by state-certified, master’s
degree-level counselors.
All students should have access to a school counselor to discuss academic, career,
and personal/social concerns.
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The student and parent(s) are responsible for monitoring the student’s educational
progress with the assistance of a professional school counselor.
An ongoing program of counselor competency training/retraining is necessary to
maintain a quality School Counseling program.
Professional mandates and guidelines proposed by the national and state
counselors associations will continue to set standards for the School Counseling
program.
All counselors abide by the professional ethics of guidance and counseling as
advocated by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Vision:
George Washington expands the intellectual and human potential of our students by
providing an environment that encourages them to become educated and knowledgeable
citizens. We provide a diverse world perspective and foster the development of lifelong
learners with integrity, character and personal responsibility. We enable students by
providing equal access to rigorous college prep training and real-life opportunities and
experiences.
Our Core Values:
Discovery
Critical Thinking
World Perspective
Excellence for All Students
Integrity
Character
Responsibility for Personal Actions
A Safe Environment to Learn, Experiment and Grow
George Washington High School is one of the top choices in Denver and Colorado for
public education and is dedicated to educate and inspire students to reach their highest
potential. Consistently ranked in the top 100 high schools in America, GW has an
international reputation for excellence.
GW provides educational opportunity for everyone. GW offers world-class arts classes,
including instruction in graphic arts, drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture. Leadingedge computer and technology training courses are available in website design,
computerized music editing, movie editing, and digital photography, as well as courses in
business applications like PowerPoint, Photoshop and Excel. GW's dedicated faculty
provides innovative and specialized academic support courses for students who need
some extra help.
GW is perhaps best know for the depth and exceptionally high standards of its
International Baccalaureate Diploma program. The GW IB is the highest ranked IB
program in Colorado, and it draws students from around the world, providing and
international perspective and diversity that will serve students well in today's world
economy.
Like all large urban high schools, GW also provides a wealth of extracurricular learning
opportunities. Amount its more than 45 specialized clubs, GW proudly sponsors
consistently nationally-ranked competitive speech, math, Model UN and National History
Day teams. Students interested in the performing arts participate in band, orchestra,
choir, drama, and dance programs. Our sports program boasts numerous teams guided by
experienced and long-term coaches who challenge our students to succeed on and off the
field, and many of our graduates have gone on to play on college and professional teams.
Finally, student support at GW is extraordinary. From the counselors who are a bridge to
outside resources and opportunities, to peer tutors, community mentoring programs,
dedicated teachers, community speakers and classes designed to consider career and
college options, at GW support comes in many forms.