Portsmouth Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
· Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language.
· Visit www.caresolace.com/ppsk12 and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Important Links
CHMS Course Selection - Grade 7
CHMS Course Selection - Grade 8
Graduation Requirements
School Counseling Department
School counselors offer classroom guidance, as well as individual and small-group counseling. They also work closely with teachers and administrators to provide the best learning environment for each student. Counselors are available to parents as needed for assistance with concerns that affect the student at home or at school.
Personal problems may impact school work and appear overwhelming. In many situations, these problems can be overcome by conferring with a trained counselor. Working together with teachers, administrators, and parents, school counselors encourage a student's academic success and personal growth. The following services are provided:
- Crisis intervention
- Group counseling
- Conflict mediation
- Classroom guidance lessons
- Middle and High School scheduling (Spring)
- Referrals and coordination of counseling and related programs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does my child request to see his/her counselor?
Students can email their counselor directly to request an appointment. In emergency situations, students should notify their teacher immediately and request a pass to the school counseling office.
2. What if I have a question or concern about my child's grade?
The Parent Portal and Schoology are excellent resources for detailed information regarding assignments and grades. The parent portal can also be used to email teachers directly with questions or to request a conference. Contact your child's counselor if you need an access code for the Parent Portal or Schoology.
3. Will a student's individual counseling session be kept confidential?
If the nature of the counseling session is personal and private, then yes. If the nature of the counseling session is educational, then a discussion with the child's teacher or parent may be appropriate. If the child reveals that he/she or someone else is in danger, then the counselor has a "duty to inform."
4. What if I want to request to change my child's schedule?
Parents can email schedule change requests to their child's counselor. Elective change requests must be submitted by September 9th, 2024, and they will be granted if there is space available. All other changes must be approved by an administrator (note: not all requests can be granted).
5. We will be moving soon. What must be done to withdraw my child from school?
Please notify the school counseling office one week in advance if possible. Be sure that all textbooks are turned in, as well as the child's Chromebook and charger. A parent or guardian must be present with a valid picture I.D. and custody documentation (if applicable) to receive withdrawal paperwork. The new school can also request a student's record via email or fax.
6. How is class scheduling/placement conducted?
Counselors meet with classes in January or February to assist students in completing their academic plans and course requests in PowerSchool. Students are asked to share this information with their parents. Parents can contact their child's counselor with any questions.