Guidance and Counseling

Ambridge Area School Counseling Program Mission Statement:

Welcome to the Ambridge Area School District School Counseling Page. At the District, the Ambridge Area School Counseling Program supports the district’s mission and vision statements and the ASCA (2021) National Model as a whole by supporting the academic, social and emotional needs of all students while respecting the diversity and uniqueness of all students.  The counseling program focuses on a wide range of developmentally appropriate services and programs for all students and their parents and community, respectively. The enhancement of student competency in the academic, personal/social, and career domains shall be accomplished through an active developmental and sequential school-counseling program. The school-counseling program supports the development of responsible citizenship and independent learning for all students to prepare the student body for post-secondary and career success.

The AASD K-12 counseling department continues to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for our students to become healthy, productive adults. With a developmental School Counseling program, school counselors collaborate with faculty, parents, administrators, stakeholders and the community including business and post secondary organizations to create an atmosphere where children’s needs are met proactively through prevention and intervention (ASCA, 2021).

Through a comprehensive School Counseling program, all students have the opportunity to recognize their significant role in the school community and learn the skills necessary to maximize their educational and career potential as life-long learners.

Certified School Counselors are currently serving students at the Ambridge Area School District in grades 6-8 at Ambridge Area Middle School and grades 9-12 at Ambridge Area High School.

Philosophy of The Ambridge Area School Counseling Program:

School counseling is a functional and integral part of the educational process for all students. School counseling is a planned sequential program that includes those procedures, techniques, and materials that enable students to meet their full potential. The program is developmental in nature focusing on the social/emotional and academic needs of each student at every part of their development. Delivery of the school counseling services is provided by educationally qualified master level degree counselors in the field of school counseling, educators holding a professional certificate of education and as certified professional school counselors in a caring supportive and nurturing environment.

A developmental program in grades 6-12 is based on the belief that all students should participate in activities that will assist in their optimal educational, personal, social and career development. Counseling consists of helping relationships between counselor, students, teachers, parents, administrators and community members.

We encourage all members of the community and students to utilize the resources listed in our Guidance Department for continued learning and development through social/emotional, college and career goals.  In reference to the ASCA, 2021 Model, the Ambridge Area School Counseling team also focuses on “Grade-level learning objectives are specific, measurable expectations that students attain as they make progress toward the standards. As the school counseling program’s vision, mission and annual student outcome goals are aligned with the school’s academic mission, school counseling standards and learning objectives are also aligned with academic content standards at the state and district level” (ASCA, 2021).

The Certified School Counselors provide direct, in-direct and Tier 1, 2 and 3 level supports, meaning they meet not only with individual students but also support the entire school and grade levels as a whole.  According to ASCA, 2021, the District School Counselors “…use the ASCA Student Standards to ensure equity and improve access for all students. While the standards are based on a review of research and other college-, career- and life-readiness documents that identify strategies influencing student achievement and academic performance, learning happens within the context of the school environment. Students learn best in environments that are accepting, respectful, supportive and inclusive, and students cannot attain these standards in an inequitable environment.

As part of the implementation of a school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model, school counselors shape ethical, equitable and inclusive school environments that help all students achieve and succeed. School counselors have an ethical responsibility to provide curriculum and activities that ensure equitable academic, career and social/emotional development opportunities for all students” (ASCA, 2021)

As a reminder, please feel free to use the below contacts as needed:

REFERRAL HELPLINE: Please dial the Support Line toll-free at 1-855-284-2494. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has partnered up with the Center for Community Resources to provide 24/7 Crises Support during this time.

CRISIS UPMC SUPPORT LINE:1-800-400-6180: As always, your safety and health is of our top priority during these time. In the case that you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate crisis, please call the UPMC Crisis Center at 724-371-8060 or 1-800-400-6180. This service is provided free of charge 24 hours of the day to all Beaver County residents.

CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text “PA” to 741-741

Dial 211: Find health and human services for everyday needs in crisis situation.

HELP Team in c/o Pressley Ridge: The HELP team can assess your student and provide additional evaluations to include, but not limited to, Drug and Alcohol, Family and Community based services, Individual Counseling, Crises Stabilization, Social / Group team counseling, Individual Intervention and Evaluations to which determine need of the student, or other services needing assistance. Please contact Director Jessica Weller to discuss their evaluation and services further at: (724) 630-5189.

HOMELESS HELPLINE: Dial 211 for help and support

SUPPORT FOR ADDICTION: PA GET HELP NOW: Please call 1.800.662.HELP

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT: The Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families, is a safe place where grieving children and families can come together and be with others who understand what they’re going through.  An essential community resource, the Caring Place offers services at no charge to grieving families from throughout the community. Please contact: Shawn T. Sledzianowski, NCC, LPC, CT – School Services Coordinator and Child Grief Specialist  Highmark Caring Place – Warrendale Office  200 Warrendale Village Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086  shawn.sledzianowski@highmark.com | 412.544.5799

LOCAL RESOURCES:

WARMING and COOLING CENTERS: The county has set-up warming and cooling centers available to the public Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM when the temperate is below 32 degrees or higher than 90 degrees.  Please reach out to Cornerstone at 724-846-6400, ext. 14 for further information.

CENTER FOR HOPE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK: The Center for Hope and Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank offer a new way to get help with food.  Refrigerated lockers and pick-up times are available.  Center for Hope can also discuss providing necessary food or other items needed.  Please call Center for Hope Monday through Thursday from 11 AM – 3 PM at 724-251-4899, ext. 117 for more information.  You may also visit their location at: Center for Hope, 740 Park Road, Ambridge PA 15003

BEAVER COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: ​Beaver County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (formerly known as Beaver County MH/MR/D&A/HC) is charged with the responsibility to encourage a seamless system of care that is accessible, continuously available and emphasizes health promotion, prevention, early intervention, resiliency, recovery and rehabilitation. They create opportunities and environments that empower those we serve to succeed in the accomplishment of their goals and reconnect themselves with family, friends and community. They also work to ensure the availability of a workforce and provider network, sufficient in size and skill, to meet the behavioral health needs of Beaver County residents. Please contact Beaver County Behavioral Health with further information: 1070 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, 724-891-2827; Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call 724-891-2827 to schedule an appointment for: Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Early Intervention and Drug & Alcohol

WESTERN PA PSYCH CARE “Positive Steps” – SCHOOL BASED SERVICES: Ambridge Area School District has partnered with Western PA Psych Care, also known as Positive Steps, to provide counseling to students at the district during the school day. Through their vision at WPPC, they are committed to providing the highest quality mental health care to children, adults and families in Western Pennsylvania. They believe that each person who seeks treatment services deserves to be treated with concern, thoughtfulness and attentiveness. Treatment is provided in a manner that respects the inherent value of every person. We strive to improve the quality of life for children, adults, and families, and in so doing, the communities of Western Pennsylvania. For questions, or to get your student enrolled at the district, please contact: 724-266-2833 ext. 2223

Please feel free to continue to reach out to your School Counselor for additional assistance at any time. Certified School Counselors are currently serving students at the Ambridge Area School District in grades 6-8 at Ambridge Area Middle School and grades 9-12 at Ambridge Area High School.

Thank you! The Ambridge Area School District Counseling Department

American School Counselor Association (2021). ASCA Student Standards; Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success. Alexandria, VA: Author.