Beliefs and Philosophy
The counselor at McBride Elementary School believes:

• All students’ ethnic, cultural, racial, and special needs are considered in planning and implementing the school counseling program.
• All students have dignity and worth.
• All students shall have access to a full-time, state-certified master’s degree level school counselor to deliver the counseling program.

The McBride comprehensive school counseling program should:

• Be based on specific goals and developmental student competencies for all students K-5.
• Be planned and coordinated by the school counselor in collaboration with other stakeholders (school staff, parent or guardian, and community representatives)
• Use data to drive program development and evaluations

The counselor at McBride Elementary School:

• Will abide by the professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American School Counselor Association
• Will participate in professional development activities essential to maintain a quality school counseling program.

Mission Statement
The mission of the McBride Elementary School Counseling Program is to facilitate the academic, career, and personal/social growth of all learners through the collaboration of the staff, parents, and students.  This partnership promotes a safe and healthy learning community in which students continue their development as contributing citizens in a global society.

Confidentiality
Privacy and confidentiality are essential to having an effective school counseling program.  McBride Elementary School recognizes the importance of good communication and good working relationships between students, parents, and the school.  Therefore, every effort will be made to protect student and parent privacy rights except under certain limited conditions.  These conditions generally include safety issues (harm to self and/or others), legal issues, and professional responsibilities (see the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors at www.schoolcounselor.org).