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Guidance Counselor

A school counselor plays a crucial role in the educational system, serving as a key support for students' academic, social, and emotional development. They provide guidance on academic planning, help students set and achieve goals, and assist with educational readiness. School counselors also offer emotional support, addressing issues such as stress, bullying, and family challenges, and work to create a safe and inclusive school environment. Additionally, they collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure students have the resources and support they need to succeed.

MEET OUR COUNSELOR

Guidance Counselor Nicole Johnston

Nicole Johnston
Hello Niles Primary & Niles Intermediate families!

My name is Nicole Johnston, and I am continuing my journey as a school counselor with both Niles Primary and Niles Intermediate buildings. I am looking forward to helping all students with issues that may be affecting their academics, career, and personal/social interactions. This will be my 5th   year as a school counselor but my first year with Niles City Schools. At my prior schools I was able to work with students through individual, group, and classroom guidance lessons in rooms ranging from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.

It is important to note that I am NOT a licensed counselor, I AM a licensed educator. I do follow guidelines set by the American School Counseling Agency (ASCA) and guidelines set by Niles City Schools. ASCA is a nationwide counseling program that provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to school counselors.

As I am not a licensed counselor, I might determine that the level of care a child needs goes beyond what I am able to provide and can work with parents and the children to find the right service. I am only in each building part time, and will work to the best of my ability for each child.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have about or for your child. I look forward to working with your student this school year! Go, Dragons!

How to Request A Meeting With Me

If a student wants to see me, what can they do?
  • Ask their teacher to email me and ask to see me. They do not need to tell the teacher why, just that they would like to see me. 
  • Ask their teacher to come down to my office and if I am in their building, they can come down and I can talk with them then or schedule a time for me to come get them.
  • Ask a teacher to come down to my office and fill out a form, which I have outside my office. They will just need to fill in the blanks with their name, grade, and just a little bit of information on the topic they want to talk about.
  • A parent can call or email and request I check in with their child.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How Counselors Help Students

Here are a few areas where I am able to help students continue to grow:
  • Cultivating a positive mindset in students regarding themselves, their relationships, and their community.
  • Connecting academic achievement to future possibilities.
  • Teaching essential life skills like decision-making, conflict resolution, and empathy.
  • Collaborating with stakeholders to identify and address students' learning challenges.
  • Empowering students to recognize and leverage their strengths.
  • Providing support during difficult times to help students cope with personal crises.
  • Improving student attendance through targeted interventions.
  • Facilitating connections to outside resources for additional support.
  • Inspiring career exploration and preparation.
  • Creating a nurturing and secure learning environment.

What Topics Can Counselors Help With?

Being a kid is hard, and there are many things that our kids may need to talk to someone about. Here are some of the topics that I can help with:
  • Selecting classes/career options
  • Making friends
  • Liking themselves
  • Getting along with others
  • Parents' divorce
  • Being the "new kid"
  • Studying habits
  • Bullying
  • Learning and responsibility
  • Death and dying
  • Sexual abuse
  • Moving away
  • Being honest
  • Organization skills and habits
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • College/Career Readiness

CONTACT INFORMATION

Nicole Johnston
NPS & NIS School Counselor
NPS Phone: 330-989-5091 x1160
NIS Phone: 330-989-5093 x3108

RESOURCES