Counseling

 

Derek Westerlund - Counseling

 

I am excited to be here at Holton and ready to get to work as the new high school counselor. In my role as school counselor, I will be helping to guide all Red Devil students in their journey to academic, personal-social, and career success. I believe that all students have the potential and desire to become successful, responsible adults, and, as educators, it is our duty to help students tap into this potential. Parents are also a vital part of ensuring their child's positive growth and development. It is crucial that parents, students, and educators form a team and work together in ensuring student success.

I will be implementing a full comprehensive guidance program involving guidance curriculum, individual student planning and guidance, responsive individual and group counseling, and system support activities. With all of the new graduation requirements and testing it is imperative that we stay on top of things and not let students fall behind in any way. I am looking forward to a wonderful year at Holton High School!

I have an open-door policy for students, parents, and staff so please never hesitate to stop in or call at anytime if you have questions or concerns.

 

Thanks, Derek

 

Jesseca Spencer - Social Worker

 

Currently, I head up the Student Support Team. This team includes Mr. Gerard and several teachers; we generally meet once a month to plan interventions for students experiencing academic failure. It is designed to help students be successful in general education without special education help. Partnership with parents is vital to the team's success. Students are referred to this team by their teachers and/or parents. If the student is unable to become successful through the SST process, he or she may or may not be referred for a special education evaluation, depending on the situation. I conduct the emotional impairment or otherwise health impairment evaluations; the school psychologist tests for learning disabilities, but I get this process started. I also meet with students per teacher, parent, and/or student request to discuss a wide variety of issues including academics, behavior modification, and mental health concerns. Feel free to give me a call 821-1740 or email me jspencer@holton.k12.mi.us with any questions or concerns.