Philosophy of Counseling Professionals at Chatham Central Schools:

We believe that all students:

• Can be successful

• Deserve a safe and welcoming school environment

• Are diverse individuals and have unique learning abilities

• Can overcome obstacles and have the ability to make appropriate decisions to lead healthy lives

• Benefit from a sense of belonging

• Face developmental challenges

• Have the ability to develop self-awareness

• Can be productive members of the world of work and the 21st century

We believe our role is to:

• Address the academic, social and career domains of all students

• Advocate, lead, coordinate, collaborate and educate students to achieve success

• Use data to guide program planning and decision making to evaluate results

• Be lifelong learners

We believe it is important for our program to:

• Be comprehensive, preventative, developmental and standards based

• Address the needs of a diverse and changing community

• Be provided by Certified Professionals (School Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologist)

• Be integrated with the School, District and State goals

• Foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the school and larger community