School counselor is based on student's last name

last name A-G
​Kara.Likness@k12.sd.us

last name h-n
​Michelle.stemwedel@k12.sd.us

last name o-z
katie.murdy@k12.sd.us

schedule changes are by appointment only
please call the high school office to sign up for
​an appointment with your school counselor.
605-582-3211

A schedule change form must be signed by your parent to make the change:

Summer School Information

Brandon Valley High School will be offering summer school for students who have failed a course (F = below a 65%) and need to recover credit.  Our summer school program is not an option for students looking to work ahead in credits. Students who should consider summer school should meet one of the following criteria:
  • Failed a semester 1 course 
  • Failed a course from a previous year and need to recover  
  • Failed Term 3 and Term 4 so will not earn credit for semester 2 
If your student is only failing a course(s) due to Term 4, Covid-19 time frame, they should NOT register for summer school. Recovery options for this situation will be coming out shortly.  Summer school courses are offered through our Edgenuity program. Students are required to be in attendance in the building for their session. The following sessions are available:

Session C: July 6th-30th (Monday-Thursday) 7:30am-11:30am
Session D: July 6th-30th (Monday-Thursday) 12pm-4pm 

Please use the link below to register for a course.  Following the Phase 1 of Summer 2020 - Return to School Plan, we have a limited number of spots available.  People who complete the online registration and pay first will get the first spots. Cost is $175 per 0.5 credit class and you may only pay for 1 course at a time. Please reach out to your student’s counselor for course questions or contact Ms. Likness with registration questions.  Kara.Likness@k12.sd.us or 605-582-3211.

Summer School Registration Link: https://forms.gle/LnZVhsfwt8UYrkQe7 
 

***covid-19 Update***

Picture
How Can I Check In With My School Counselor?       
BVHS students and families, we miss you! During this period of school closure, your family's health and safety are top priority.  Although counselors are working from home, please know that we are still available to students and families. The best way to start connecting with us is via email.  Please see above information to find your counselor’s email. Counselors can also use the Zoom platform to video conference with a student if requested. Please send a request via email and we will schedule a time that works. The high school office is not open to students and parents at this time but there is someone in the office to answer the phone in case of questions. Please call (605) 582-3211 for assistance.              
If you need immediate assistance:  
                     
Emergencies: 911 

Suicide Hotline: (800)273-8255

Mental Health Assessments through Avera Behavioral Health: (605)322-4065
​
Alcohol and Drug Assessments through Carroll Institute: (605)336-2556

Help!Line Center: 211 or (605)339-4357

Covid-19 helpful resources:

Click on blue links below to be directed to articles and resources.
5 Ways To Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
Stress & Coping from CDC 
Seize The Awkward - Talking to you friends about mental health & how to help
Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from Covid-19
Video: Helping Seniors​ Make College Decisions During Covid-19

Forms

Seniors: Did you complete a Transcript Release Form?
File Size: 22 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

presentations & Handouts

Financial Aid Presentation
File Size: 823 kb
File Type: ppt
Download File
Money for College
File Size: 1293 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Please read the daily announcements for upcoming events! 

Upcoming Opportunities & summer camps

The Brandon valley school district neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented in these documents.

Opportunities that come up during the school year. 
HOBY for Sophomores
File Size: 106 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Job openings for high school students. This has replaced our job board. 
Opportunities during the summer!​

what are professional school counselors?

Professional School Counselors certified/licensed educators with a minimum of a Master's Degree in School Counseling. 
What does a professional school counselors do?
·   Professional school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success. He or she promotes leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and equality.

·   Professional school counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community and address the needs of all students.  

·   Professional school counselors focus on three main areas:
    o   Academic
    o   Career
    o   Personal/Social issues
What does a professional school counselor do on an average day?
·   Developmental Guidance going in the classroom and presenting relevant information.
    -Examples: Bullying prevention, college & career information, registration, writing resumes, etc.

·   Parent/Guardian contacts via phone calls and/or emails

·   Individual counseling with students
    -Examples: Grade checks, discussing personal/social issues, assisting with future plans, discussing results of standardized tests, etc.

·   Group counseling with students
     -Examples: Children of divorce/separated parents, grief group and others that the counselor may see a need for.

·   Test administrator/district contact person Smarter Balanced, Dakota STEP Tests, Apsire/PLAN, PSAT, ACT etc.

·   Collaborating with outside agencies to help the students in the community

·   Adviser for student groups
   -Examples: SADD/TATU, Peer Helpers, Student Council, etc. 
Picture
CLICK ON THE LOGO ABOVE TO BE LINKED TO THE BVHS WEBSITE!