Guidance

Philosophy:

We believe all students….
• have a right to services that support academic, career and personal/social growth
• are capable of achieving at their own personal level
• have dignity, worth and a right to a quality education
• have a right to a safe learning environment
• have the right to be heard and treated with dignity and respect
• have the right to a school counselor who collaborates with other educators, families, and the community as an advocate for student success

The goal of the ASPV school counseling program is to provide academic, career and personal/social learning opportunities that value, challenge and prepare each student for responsible participation in our changing world. Students meet with the counselors through teacher, parent, or self-referrals. If you are interested in contacting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , you can do so by clicking on their name.

In order to bring this philosophy to life at ASPV, the guidance department, among others, facilitates the following programs:

 

Parent Resources

Lower School Guidance

Team V

Team V is a parent teacher group dedicated to Values Education at the American School, whose mission is to teach and inspire one another to live and learn in a more conscientious, friendly, safe environment at school and in our community. Our vision is to do our best with excellence and confidence and appreciation of others!

Team V (Values) began in 2008 as a Primary/Preschool program that directly teaches core values such as gratitude, kindness, and respect here at ASPV. Each year, we choose to explore values based on what is most needed in our school community. This exploration is done through class meetings, presentations, role-modeling, meaningful activities, and cross-grade level reflections.

The entire school community (students, staff & parents) is involved in the TEAM V program, because we believe it takes a community to raise a responsible, aware, and caring person. As both individuals and communally, we are committed to sharing, learning, growing, and living at our highest potential.

Upper School Guidance

Team Choice

Team Choice consists of small groups of students that meet each month with an advisor to discuss topics and myths related to substance abuse. The mission of Team Choice is to aid in establishing a culture within the school community that focuses on health and sensible decision-making that educates and encourages delay and prevention of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other unhealthy substances.

Student Council

The ASPV High School Student Council consists of 6 students from grades 9-12 that are chosen by their peers. The Student Council positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and two public relations officers. An election is held in the fall of each school year with the expectation that students running for each position will outline their platform along with their student council goals for that year. Events that the student council coordinates include: Halloween disco, high school talent show, Christmas baskets, high school dance, and Student Day. School Council representatives are also responsible for coordinating themed spirit days and communicating student interests to the school administration. Two class representatives are also elected from each grade, 7-12. They are responsible for informing classmates of student council events and bringing classroom concerns to the student council.

All candidates for student council positions must meet the following requirements:

1) Two letters of recommendation from faculty, with a focus on conscientiousness and responsible behavior
2) Present outline of speech including campaign platform
3) Attendance must coincide with the school absence policy (10 unexcused absences per semester) will exclude the potential candidate from running for office)
4) Students with Level 2 or Level 3 disciplinary actions or plagiarism or cheating violations will not be eligible to run for student council
5) Approval from all teachers from the previous year.
 

 

MAP Testing

Primary MAP Testing

All primary students (P-1 – 6) take MAP tests in Math, Reading, and Language Usage in January and May each year. New students and other recommended students may have MAP testing in the fall as well. These tests are used to ensure that each student is making adequate progress in each content area. MAP tests present students with engaging, age-appropriate content. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. The result is a rewarding experience for the student, and a wealth of detailed information for teachers, parents and administrators. This information is then analyzed and compared to normative data from ASPV and from other schools that take part in MAP testing.

When students take our adaptive tests, the test questions are determined by the student's answer to the previous item. An incorrect answer prompts an easier follow-up question. Correct prompt the test questions to increase in difficulty. The resulting score reveals the student's unique academic level.

Secondary MAP Testing

All secondary students (7-11) take MAP tests in Math, Reading, and Language Usage in September and May each year. New students, seventh and eighth grade students, and other recommended students may have MAP testing in January as well. These tests are used to ensure that each student is making adequate progress in each content area. MAP tests present students with engaging, age-appropriate content. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. The result is a rewarding experience for the student, and a wealth of detailed information for teachers, parents and administrators. This information is then analyzed and compared to normative data from ASPV and from other schools that take part in MAP testing.

 

Subsance Abuse Education

FCD Site

For 30 years, FCD Educational Services has worked hand in hand with hundreds of schools across the United States and around the world to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills they need to make intelligent, healthy choices about alcohol and other drug use. We base our approach on a number of core beliefs:

• Substance abuse prevention in schools is not a program. It is a climate.
   
• Prevention should be approached from a health perspective. Patronizing, moralistic, and threatening messages are ineffective and close down communication with students.
   
• Drug education is not a one-time inoculation. It must be long-term, ongoing, and responsive to the changing cognitive, emotional, and social worlds of the growing child.
   
• Children and adolescents are most likely to make responsible choices about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use when they are:
  • Presented with accurate information
  • Respected and listened to
  • Given clear, consistent expectations for behavior
  • Exposed to positive role models, and
  • Rewarded for choosing to live drug-free.

Values Education

Youth Voice Project

Stop Bullying