School Counseling

Informed Consent for Electronic or Virtual

School Counseling Support

A result of the  COVID-19 global pandemic, virtual counseling support services became a service that  may be provided through electronic means, such as email, Google classroom, text, phone call, or virtual platforms (including, but not limited to Google Chat/Hangout, Zoom, or other telemental health platforms). Although school counseling support is part of your child’s universal school services, additional informed consent to provide school counseling support through the electronic or virtual method(s) listed above is necessary. 

Please  understand that the school counselor will do the best of her ability to provide uninterrupted support when meeting student(s) and will make all attempts to limit distractions.  Understand that the school counselor cannot ensure or limit distractions in the homes of any participants, and is unable to prevent others in home from overhearing conversations in individual or group sessions. 

Please understand there are risks, benefits, and consequences associated with electronic or virtual school counseling support (telemental health support), including, but not limited to disruption of service due to difficulties with technology, interruption and/or breaches of confidentiality by unauthorized persons, and/or limited ability for the school counselor to respond in the event of an emergency or crisis. 

Please  understand that there will be no recording of any online sessions by either party (myself or the student). All information will be kept confidential, except where permitted by law (someone is being hurt or planning to hurt themselves or others).

This document is proof that the school counselor has provided parents/guardians/family with a description of the limits and legalities of virtual school counseling support.

At Fruitport Middle School, we use a career and college readiness program called Xello.  The link for Xello can be found on the FMS Student Portal.  Each year, the school counselor visits classrooms to work with students creating, exploring, updating, and developing career and college plans.

Below are a couple of videos to explore.  Families can engage in what their student is creating so you can be part of the conversation of their future plans.  

Xello Family Engagement Video

Kickstart to Careersfor Current 6th and 7th Grade students

Kickstart to Careers Video

A 504 plan is a blueprint for how the school will support a student with a disability and remove barriers to learning. The goal is to give the student equal access at school.

504 plans are formal plans that schools develop to give kids with disabilities the support they need. That covers any condition that limits daily activities in a major way.

To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment.

For More Information:

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/what-is-a-504-plan

The 504 coordinator for Fruitport Middle School is Julie Kolbe, School Counselor.  If you have questions regarding 504 please contact her at jkolbe@fruitportschools.net