The Ava R-I School District believes that a comprehensive counseling department is a vital part of the overall educational process. The need for guidance begins with pre-school entrance and continues throughout life. Students develop emotionally and socially, as well as educationally. Therefore, the guidance program must address the issue of growth and development, providing students assistance in their academic, career, and personal development. The counseling department attempts to reach all students in a preventative rather than crisis-oriented way. While the program is concerned with all students, it recognizes some individuals have needs that will continue to require special attention. The emphasis of the program centers on the needs of the students. Attempts are made to help students deal with personal, social and school related issues as he/she grows and develops. Keeping the best interest of each student in mind, the counselor serves as a resource for parents, teachers, administrators, and other concerned individuals.
