Counseling

Phone: 616-532-1593     

Fax: 616-532-7780

Welcome to KHS Counseling! 

Ashley Morse - Academic Advisor for Grades 10 & 12

Justice Craft - Academic Advisor for Grades 9 & 11

Each year, the State of Michigan releases a Post-Secondary Informational Packet. This resource has information on colleges/financial aid, trade schools, military options, career exploration, and more! It is a great way for students to research and start to prepare for their time after high school. You can check it out at: https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/resources

This year, Kent ISD created a supplemental website that includes West Michigan-specific information. It is available at: https://www.kentisd.org/educators/career-readiness/students/post-graduation-opportunities-informational-packet/

What We Do:

The counseling office staff is committed to supporting all KHS students as they work toward success in academics, post-secondary planning, and in their social/emotional well-being.  The goal of KHS counselors is to support, guide, and direct students as they navigate various high school experiences, and to help prepare them for a successful, fulfilling life after graduation. 

Academics:

School counselors meet with students individually and in a classroom setting to discuss academic goals and various post-secondary options.  Academic plans are developed based on a student’s career preferences, Educational Development Plan (EDP) results, and academic performance.  School counselors emphasize the importance of consistent attendance, the development of effective study habits, responsible time-management, and successfully passing classes in order to graduate in four years.  

Post-Secondary Planning:

School counselors help students plan for a successful life after high school by exploring various post-secondary options.  College and university representatives visit KHS and meet with students throughout the first semester.  Students who are interested in vocational training typically meet with both the counselor and the KHS School-to-Work Coordinator to explore job training opportunities and vocational school options.  Military recruiters from each branch also visit the school and meet with interested students throughout the year.  

Social/Emotional: 

School counselors are available to support students with personal issues with which they may be struggling; however, these services are time-limited.  If deemed necessary, counselors will make referrals to professional counseling organizations with student and parent consent.  Small group counseling is also offered during the school day (on a weekly basis, for six to eight weeks).  The goal of small group counseling is to help students learn coping skills and gain support from others who struggle with similar issues.  Topics of focus range from anxiety, depression, anger management, grief and loss, stress, healthy relationships, and more.  

All counseling offered in the KHS counseling office is confidential.  Confidentiality is maintained unless a student threatens to harm him/herself, or discloses that he/she plans to harm another individual, or shares that he/she is being harmed or exploited illegally.