Any day people walk into the guidance office they are met with kindness, respect, privacy and care; however, I feel as though not everyone knows how to use the guidance team to their advantage. They’re always willing to help you, as long as you know how to ask.

Schedules

Let’s start with something quite universal. When it comes around that time to pick your classes, everyone has to spend some time in the guidance office and discuss what they want to do.  What not to do: Wait until the last minute to decide your courses. Why? It doesn’t help you, because you don’t have a plan and it annoys the counselor. Now they have to spoon feed you through course selection. No one wants that.

What should I do?

Have a small plan and some goals

• You need something to discuss with your counselor. In order for them to help you succeed, bring them a long term goal, and some short term ones. For example, if you want good grades, you are aiming for a certain major, you want to go to whatever college, or maybe you want to challenge yourself. Even telling them you want to keep your schedule laid back is helpful so they can help you have an idea of what classes you should take.

Ask questions

• Why? Some classes may have different requirements or may be too rigorous or easy for you. They may not be the material you wish to study. Questions are always going to be welcomed. The counselors want to give you the best high school experience you can have; take advantage of their advice.

What if I have a problem with my schedule now?

Send an email and schedule a meeting

• No matter the conflict, your counselor can set you up with something to help you. In rare cases, they may be able to switch you out of a class. But they will always offer support, give you options for tutoring and resources on what to do next. But you need to be the one to ask and reach out.

Mental Health Checks

We all take those mental wellness surveys twice a year, and some people can be given the option to meet with their counselor. That’s one of the “fall in your lap” ways to get help from a social worker. But it’s easier, and faster, to fill out the guidance google form and make a request to meet with them if you need it.

• After scheduling a meeting, let your social worker know what’s going on with you. The visits are confidential unless you are admitting to hurt yourself or others, or if someone else is harming you. 
• Next, you and the social worker will build a plan for the next steps. They will most likely offer you different tips that you can do on your own, and with others you can learn with them. 
• Finally, you can get on the right path to getting support from the LTHS Staff and get on your way to helping yourself be the best you you can be.

It’s up to you to utilize the new skills and share what you need to in order to obtain the help that you need. 

Compass Opportunities

The guidance office has plenty of things to try during compass. There are classes on how to meditate, anger management, and even time to relax in a quiet environment. Check the guidance office’s compass when signing up to see if there’s anything new for you.

Even if you are just having a horrible day, you can visit the guidance office and ask for a break if you need it. They may need a reason from you, but as long as you need something (a second alone, someone to talk to, etc) they will be there for you.

LTHS’s guidance office is extremely underrated (in my opinion). I feel like as long as you use the help they offer, you won’t have a bad experience with anyone there. The counselors, social workers and receptionists are so kind and intelligent. As stated previously, you must be willing to ask for help and be ready to make a change for yourself in order to see results in yourself. Use the resources that Lockport offers you!