Counseling / College Information

Dear VSSA Families,

I want to start by welcoming you to another great year at VSSA! As the counselor at VSSA, I will maintain confidentiality for students whenever possible. Limits to confidentiality include mandated reporting laws, which require counselors to report known or suspected child/elder abuse or neglect. Counselors are required to take appropriate action if students engage in behavior that presents clear and imminent danger to themselves or others which may include homicidally, suicidality, self-harm, and at times substance abuse or risky sexual behavior.

Both individual and group work may be utilized for your student at VSSA. Parents will be informed if any safety concerns are identified or if additional support is recommended, while following limits of confidentiality. If you do not want your child to participate in counseling services, please fill out the Counseling Opt-Out Form Opt-Out Form . If you believe your child is in need of specific support by the counseling department or you have concerns about your student, please utilize the referral form located on the school website and the Yeti Times.

Referral Form

I look forward to serving the needs of your child in the 2025-2026 school year.

Charlene Whitney, MA, LPC

Grading Rubric

Proficiency Level	Descriptor	Numerical Score
Exemplary	Demonstrates proficiency of the grade level standard(s) AND Synthesizes concepts and skills with in-depth inferences or original insight OR Transfers concepts and skills to different or real-world contexts	4
Meeting	Demonstrates proficiency of the grade level standard(s)	3
Developing	Demonstrates proficiency of the basic skills and concepts OR Demonstrates proficiency of grade level standard(s) with teacher support	2
Beginning	Demonstrates partial proficiency of basic skills and concepts with teacher support	1
No Evidence	No evidence of learning	0

Graduation & College Planning

At VSSA we understand that a four year college is not the right fit for all students and many students take a post grad year before attending college. Our goal is to make sure students have every option available to them and we require that all students apply to college so they understand the process. We strongly encourage students to participate in internships and community service activities to build leadership and explore passions. Often these activities help students identify career interests and ultimately these career decisions should guide the college exploration process. The following information may be helpful:

New Graduation Requirements for Class of 2021 and beyond.
Visit Schools: It’s the Best Way to Determine Fit!! Call ahead and arrange a tour ( students can register for tours on the individual college's website)
Questions to consider asking on a college and coach visit
Participate in community service, internships or get work experience
Guide to College Admissions
Admissions Guidebook for Students
Guide for College Degrees & Majors

NCAA and Sports in College

NCAA (The National Collegiate Athletic Association) manages eligibility for students who want to compete in a college division sport. VSSA works with students to ensure they meet eligibility requirements so they have the option to compete in college. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with college coaches about their interest in the school and should set up visits with their coaches on their college visits. College coach information can be found directly on the colleges athletic website.

NCAA schools require college-bound student-athletes to build a foundation of high school courses to prepare them for college coursework. Students who plan to compete in NCAA sports at Division I or II schools must pass a certain number of NCAA core courses.

4 credits of approved English
3 credits of approved Math
2 credits of approved Science
1 more credit of approved English, Math or Science
2 credits of approved Social Studies
4 more credits of approved Core Courses

Below are useful resources: