The mission of the MN Online High School Counseling Department is to provide students with a comprehensive, developmental counseling program which will support all students in becoming successful in school and life. We strive to achieve this mission by providing counseling services that address students’ personal/social, academic, and career needs. We meet these needs by providing classroom guidance lessons as well as individual and group counseling services. The counseling department believes in the value and potential of all students, and does not discriminate based on age, race, sex, religion, sexual preference, immigration status, color, disability, or any other variable. As counselors we advocate for students, celebrate diversity of all kinds, and promote a positive school culture where all students can learn. The counseling department believes in the power of community and collaborates with staff, students, and parents to achieve this mission.

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the role of school counselors in a school. Students often are under the impression that their school counselor is there to schedule them in classes and that is about it. What you may not have known is that school counselors are trained mental health professionals. School counselors are specially trained to provide a variety of support services to students. They work with students in the academic, career, and personal/social domains. This means school counselors don’t just talk to students about credit, classes and college; they also help students when they are feeling anxious or depressed, having family problems, lose someone they love, etc. School Counselors meet with students individually, run groups, and give (virtual classroom) lessons about a variety of topics.

In the online environment, it is easy for students to forget that their school counselor is just a phone call, text, or email away. If not right away, your school counselor will respond to you within 24 hours. When you are struggling or having a bad day, your school counselor is there to support you. When students are having a bad day at a “bricks and mortar” school they might walk down to the school counselor’s office and knock on the door. Here at MNOHS you can email, call, or text your school counselor. School counselors help ALL students find success in school and life and we are always glad to hear from you. Here are some of the areas in which your school counselor can help you:

• Transitioning to high school and online learning
• Getting involved at MNOHS
• Academic planning
• College preparation and planning
• Career exploration
• Post high school planning
• Personal issues (grief, depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol use, sexual health)
• Social concerns (relationship concerns, family issues)
• Referral to community resources
• Resume writing/job applications
• Lending a listening ear or helping hand when you are having a bad day
• Need help with something else? Ask your school counselor!

If you have not already, get to know your school counselor. You’ll be glad you did!

For students with the last names A – L: Britt Pennington b.pennington@mail.mnohs.org 1-800-764-8166 x 105
For students with the last names M – Z: Monica Potter m.potter@mail.mnohs.org 1-800-764-8166 x 110