Staff

Diane Slagle

Counselor

383-9858

dslagle@ferndale.wednet.edu

Terry Saunders

Intervention Specialist

383 - 9857

tsaunders@ferndale.wednet.edu

Support Services

• Individual/Group Referrals - As counselors here at Horizon, we strive to meet the needs of all our students. We see students on an individual basis based on referrals. Referrals can be made by the students themselves, by our teaching staff, by administration, by parents and even by community members. We offer Group counseling that helps to meet the needs of a greater numbers of students in areas of interest such as study skills, test anxiety, time management, self-esteem, decision making, healthy relationships, stereotypes and media influences, tools for success, split homes, substance abuse, anger management, and tolerance/acceptance of diversity.
• YMCA Adventure School - The YMCA provides a program that helps teach youth the value of teamwork and to challenge themselves in a physical environment. Each session 12 students are selected to participate. The activities include rock wall climbing, hiking, and snow shoeing.
• Natural Helpers - This program trains students to aid their peers in problem solving and teaches team-work to make the school environment a more comfortable and safe one. Students are given a survey at the beginning of the year regarding the program that helps in the process of developing this team of students.
• John Hopkins University Talent Search - Every year after 6th graders take the ITBS, their scores are sent to our counseling staff. Students who score in the 97th or higher percentile on one or all of the areas tested are eligible to participate in an opportunity to take the SAT test prior to high schools. This enables students to see what this test is like and to begin to prepare ahead of time for whatever career direction they may be headed.
• TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use) - A prevention program that promotes healthy choices. It teaches both middle and elementary school students about the harmful effects of tobacco. Middle school students are trained as peer educators, who go into the elementary schools to teach anti-tobacco curriculum to younger students.
• After School Study - This is a program designed to help students improve their academic success and receive extra help on homework. There is transportation home on a bus. This program is offered Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:45.
• Classroom Guidance - The counseling staff offers class guidance instruction in various topics including: sexual harassment, social skills, bullying, career exploration, suicide prevention, and depression.