Guidance and Counseling

Philosophy of The Ambridge Area School Counseling Program:

School counseling is a functional and integral part of the educational process for all students. School counseling is a planned sequential program that includes those procedures, techniques, and materials that enable students to meet their full potential. The program is developmental in nature focusing on the social/emotional and academic needs of each student at every part of their development. Delivery of the school counseling services is provided by educationally qualified master level degree counselors in the field of school counseling, educators holding a professional certificate of education and as certified professional school counselors in a caring supportive and nurturing environment.

A developmental program in grades K-12 is based on the belief that all students should participate in activities that will assist in their optimal educational, personal, social and career development. Counseling consists of helping relationships between counselor, students, teachers, parents, administrators and community members.

We encourage all members of the community and students to utilize the resources listed in our Guidance Department for continued learning and development through social/emotional, college and career goals. In reference to the ASCA, 2021 Model, the Ambridge Area School Counseling team also focuses on “Grade-level learning objectives are specific, measurable expectations that students attain as they make progress toward the standards. As the school counseling program’s vision, mission and annual student outcome goals are aligned with the school’s academic mission, school counseling standards and learning objectives are also aligned with academic content standards at the state and district level” (ASCA, 2021).

The Certified School Counselors provide direct, in-direct and Tier 1, 2 and 3 level supports, meaning they meet not only with individual students but also support the entire school and grade levels as a whole. According to ASCA, 2021, the District School Counselors “…use the ASCA Student Standards to ensure equity and improve access for all students. While the standards are based on a review of research and other college-, career- and life-readiness documents that identify strategies influencing student achievement and academic performance, learning happens within the context of the school environment. Students learn best in environments that are accepting, respectful, supportive and inclusive, and students cannot attain these standards in an inequitable environment.

As part of the implementation of a school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model, school counselors shape ethical, equitable and inclusive school environments that help all students achieve and succeed. School counselors have an ethical responsibility to provide curriculum and activities that ensure equitable academic, career and social/emotional development opportunities for all students” (ASCA, 2021)

As a reminder, please feel free to use the below contacts as needed:

REFERRAL HELPLINE: Please dial the Support Line toll-free at 1-855-284-2494. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has partnered up with the Center for Community Resources to provide 24/7 Crises Support during this time.

CRISIS UPMC SUPPORT LINE:1-800-400-6180: As always, your safety and health is of our top priority during these time. In the case that you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate crisis, please call the UPMC Crisis Center at 724-371-8060 or 1-800-400-6180. This service is provided free of charge 24 hours of the day to all Beaver County residents.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text “PA” to 741-741

Dial 211: Find health and human services for everyday needs in crisis situation.

HELP Team in c/o Pressley Ridge: The HELP team can assess your student and provide additional evaluations to include, but not limited to, Drug and Alcohol, Family and Community based services, Individual Counseling, Crises Stabilization, Social / Group team counseling, Individual Intervention and Evaluations to which determine need of the student, or other services needing assistance. Please call 724-630-5189 for more information.

HOMELESS HELPLINE: Dial 211 for help and support

SUPPORT FOR ADDICTION: PA GET HELP NOW: Please call 1.800.662.HELP

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT: The Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families, is a safe place where grieving children and families can come together and be with others who understand what they’re going through. An essential community resource, the Caring Place offers services at no charge to grieving families from throughout the community. Please contact: Shawn T. Sledzianowski, NCC, LPC, CT – School Services Coordinator and Child Grief Specialist Highmark Caring Place – Warrendale Office 200 Warrendale Village Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086 shawn.sledzianowski@highmark.com | 412.544.5799

LOCAL RESOURCES:

WARMING and COOLING CENTERS: The county has set-up warming and cooling centers available to the public Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM when the temperate is below 32 degrees or higher than 90 degrees. Please reach out to Cornerstone at 724-846-6400, ext. 14 for further information.

CENTER FOR HOPE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK: The Center for Hope and Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank offer a new way to get help with food. Refrigerated lockers and pick-up times are available. Center for Hope can also discuss providing necessary food or other items needed. Please call Center for Hope Monday through Thursday from 11 AM – 3 PM at 724-251-4899, ext. 117 for more information. You may also visit their location at: Center for Hope, 740 Park Road, Ambridge PA 15003

BEAVER COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Beaver County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (formerly known as Beaver County MH/MR/D&A/HC) is charged with the responsibility to encourage a seamless system of care that is accessible, continuously available and emphasizes health promotion, prevention, early intervention, resiliency, recovery and rehabilitation. They create opportunities and environments that empower those we serve to succeed in the accomplishment of their goals and reconnect themselves with family, friends and community. They also work to ensure the availability of a workforce and provider network, sufficient in size and skill, to meet the behavioral health needs of Beaver County residents. Please contact Beaver County Behavioral Health with further information: 1070 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, 724-891-2827; Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call 724-891-2827 to schedule an appointment for: Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Early Intervention and Drug & Alcohol

Please feel free to continue to reach out to your School Counselor for additional assistance at any time. Certified School Counselors are currently serving students at the Ambridge Area School District in grades K-5 at the Elementary Level, 6-8 at Ambridge Area Middle School and grades 9-12 at Ambridge Area High School.

Thank you! The Ambridge Area School District Counseling Department

American School Counselor Association (2021). ASCA Student Standards; Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success. Alexandria, VA: Author.

About the Guidance Department:

Ambridge Area School Counseling Program Mission Statement:

Welcome to the Ambridge Area School District School Counseling Page. At the District, the Ambridge Area School Counseling Program supports the district’s mission and vision statements and the ASCA (2021) National Model as a whole by supporting the academic, social and emotional needs of all students while respecting the diversity and uniqueness of all students. The counseling program focuses on a wide range of developmentally appropriate services and programs for all students and their parents and community, respectively. The enhancement of student competency in the academic, personal/social, and career domains shall be accomplished through an active developmental and sequential school-counseling program. The school-counseling program supports the development of responsible citizenship and independent learning for all students to prepare the student body for post-secondary and career success.

The AASD K-12 counseling department continues to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for our students to become healthy, productive adults. With a developmental School Counseling program, school counselors collaborate with faculty, parents, administrators, stakeholders and the community including business and post secondary organizations to create an atmosphere where children’s needs are met proactively through prevention and intervention (ASCA, 2021).

Through a comprehensive School Counseling program, all students have the opportunity to recognize their significant role in the school community and learn the skills necessary to maximize their educational and career potential as life-long learners.

Certified School Counselors are currently serving students at the Ambridge Area School District in grades K - 12 at the district. Please contact the specific building your student attends to contact the correct grade level School Counselor.

Ambridge Area School District In-School Therapy Programs:

WESTERN PA PSYCH CARE “Positive Steps”: Positive Steps WPPC Brochure.pdf

Ambridge Area School District has partnered with Western PA Psych Care, also known as Positive Steps, to provide counseling to students at the district during the school day. Through their vision at WPPC, they are committed to providing the highest quality mental health care to children and students in Western Pennsylvania. They believe that each person who seeks treatment services deserves to be treated with concern, thoughtfulness and attentiveness. Treatment is provided in a manner that respects the inherent value of every person. WPPC strives to improve the quality of life for children, adults, and families, and in so doing, the communities of Western Pennsylvania.

In addition, Positive Steps is a resource available to students seeking help in getting academic, social or emotional concerns addressed during the school day. During a school day session, a primary therapist will be emphasizing on helping your student work through barriers and concerns presented during their assigned time. The consultations may involve the child's teachers, paraprofessionals, and school administration if a release is signed for communication.

The concerns that the program addresses include difficulty making friends or frequent complaints of bullying, school avoidance/refusal, frequent school disciplinary actions or truancy, frequent physical complaints, failing grades or frustration in completing school work, change in sleep/eating habits, behavior, or interests. For more information about enrollment or if you have any questions, or directly contact Positive Steps, please reach out to Brianna Fischer at brianna.fisher@wpapsych.com, or by calling 724-266-2833, ext. 2223.

Referrals can be made by: Parent/Guardian, Student (Age 14 and up) and any Academic Team Member. All referrals are to be e-mailed if by parent/guardian, or student to brianna.fisher@wpapsych.com

Psychology and Learning Center "PLC": PLC Informational Brochure.pdf

The Psychology and Learning Center is a valuable resource for school students seeking individual
counseling and therapy services long-term during the school day. The Center collaborates with the
Ambridge Area High School to provide individual counseling services to students who may request
therapeutic and individual social-emotional and or mental health counseling. Students will meet with
a trained therapist during their school day at Ambridge High School for their referred service. PLC can
provide long-term therapy supports if required.

If you are interested in enrolling your student to the PLC Counseling Services team during the school day, you may request the High School Guidance team to submit a referral form from the High School Guidance Office. Parent/guardians may also reach out to Vanessa Casper, the School Based Liaison at 724-371-2000 with any questions or to directly sign-up with their agency.

With the help of the Center's trained professionals, your student can work towards overcoming any
personal, social-emotional or academic challenges that they may be facing at the High School. Don't
hesitate to reach out for assistance if you feel like your student could benefit from these services.

Referrals can be made by: Parent/Guardian, Student (Age 14 and up) and any Academic Team Member. All referrals are to be e-mailed if by parent/guardian, or student to vancasper@psychlearning.org

The Ambridge Area School District Student Assistance Program - SAP:

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a process for identifying students who are experiencing barriers to their learning and success in school. SAP offers support to those students, and their families, to help them overcome these barriers. Behaviors that the Student Assistance Program can help with include but not limited to:
Class Cuts, Excessive Tardiness, Classroom Disturbance, Decline in Academics and Grades, Concerns in Regards to Students Mental Well-Being, Transitioning to High School, Change in Friendships and Groups, Lack of interest in Extracurricular Activities/Sports, any Social/Emotional and Academic Concerns. If you or your student are also facing eviction, or homelessness, please reach out so school officials can connect families with resources needed during this time.

If your child is experiencing any of the above-mentioned difficulties or any other challenges that are affecting their academic performance, the Student Assistance Program (SAP) is here to help. SAP is a confidential and voluntary program that provides support to students who are facing barriers that may be impacting their academic or personal life.

The SAP team is comprised of trained school and community staff who work together to identify and assist students who may be struggling. They can help connect and refer your child with services that are available both in school and in the community, such as counseling, tutoring, and mentoring programs.

It's important to note that SAP is not a disciplinary program, nor does it replace the role of parents, guardians or therapist/counselor in addressing their child's needs. Rather, it is a collaborative effort between school staff, families, and community resources to ensure that students receive the support and resources they need to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential at the district.

If you have concerns about your child's academic or personal well-being, don't hesitate to reach out to your school's SAP team. They are there to help and support your child's success.

High School: Linda Prevost, Prevention Specialist: linda.prevost@ambridge.k12.pa.us or 724-266-2833, ext. 2102

Middle School: Chris Ceratti, SAP Coordinator MS: cceratti@ambridge.k12.pa.us or 724-266-2833, ext. 3218

Elementary: Cory Bailey, School Counselor: cory.bailey@ambridge.k12.pa.us or 724-266-2833. ext. 7217

SAP Forms:

High School: SAP High School Brochure25-26.pdf / SAP Parent Permission Form 2025-2026.pdf

Middle School:

Elementary:

Ambridge Area School District Safe2Say:

Safe2Say: At Ambridge High School:

This program supports students in our middle and high school to utilize an anonymous and secure 24/7 tip line, app, and website to submit anonymous tips regarding student and school safety. Please refer to the website above to make any anonymous tip for the safety of others. Tips are given and worked on by several members of a crises and help center. They triage each tip to ensure there is enough information to act upon, determine if the tip is life safety or non-life safety, as well as conduct on-going support when needed. The crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention. If needed, the crisis center may contact the person providing the tip anonymously through the app.

Trained administrators will serve on our school district’s Safe2Say Team. Training and information was provided to students at the middle and high school. Students in our elementary schools will not be trained, but any student, parent, or community member is able to submit a tip anonymously using the Safe2Say Something reporting system at the website listed above.

Website: https://www.safe2saypa.org/tip/

Our district Safe2Say Primary Contact is Dr. Amy Filipowski, 724-266-2833 ext. 1219 for questions.

Ambridge Area High School and CCBC High School Academies:

What is it? CCBC High School Academies allow Ambridge Area High School students to enroll in one of six college and career pathways. The six High School Academy pathways available are as follows: Aviation Academy, Health Academy, STEM Academy, Criminal Justice Academy, Business Academy and Education Academy.

Students who attend during their 11^th and 12^th grade years will be able to complete up to 28 college credits, depending on the academy pathway, toward CCBC’s associate degree programs or transfer the credits to other colleges and universities. Through premier partnerships with 4-year colleges, many academy graduates can complete a bachelor's degree in three years or less.

Students participating in this program will be able to select if they will attend in-person or virtually (synchronously) each day. This may vary by your school’s requirements.

Do I qualify? Students must be rising 11^th or 12^th graders to participate in the High School Academy programming, and each academy has its own distinct admissions criteria. Students are accepted into the Academy programs for a fall semester start.

What is available? Ambridge Area High School is currently partnering with CCBC offering the academies below for students to enroll:

Aviation Academy
Health Academy
STEM Academy
Criminal Justice Academy
Business Academy
Education Academy

Scheduling: Students should review the pre-requisites of each program on the website for scheduling. For example, students interested in the Health Academy are required to take Chemistry their Sophomore Year (10th Grade) for program enrollment. Please ensure your student reviews each pre-requisite and schedules accordingly.

What is the cost? Tuition rates follow standard CCBC tuition rates and are determined by residency. Students who live in Beaver County pay the regular college in-county tuition rate and fees. Out-of-county dual enrollment students pay 1.5 times the in-county college tuition rate and fees. Students are also responsible for purchasing textbooks and lab kits as needed for their courses.

Need more information? For more information on how to enroll in this programming and the admissions criteria for each of the High School Academies, please speak with your school counselor Mrs. Banks and visit https://www.ccbc.edu/high-school-academies

CCBC High School Academies Scheduling Directions.pdf

2026 New Academies Application Packet.pdf

Contact Mrs. Banks, High School Counselor in c/o with CCBC: samantha.banks@ambridge.k12.pa.us or 724-266-2833, ext. 2419.

CollegeBoard Suite of Assessments:

SAT Suite of Assessments at Ambridge Area High School:

Ambridge Area High School offers the full SAT® Suite of Assessments to support students in meeting their academic goals and preparing for college and career readiness. Students have access to the following assessments through the district:

PSAT 8/9 – 9th Grade
PSAT 10 – 10th Grade
PSAT/NMSQT® – 11th Grade
SAT® (Weekend Administration)
SAT® School Day – Administered during the school day

Testing Schedule

PSAT 8/9 – Spring
PSAT 10 – Spring
PSAT/NMSQT (11th Grade) – Fall
SAT Weekend – Fall
SAT School Day – Spring

Students are encouraged to register for exams when announcements are made. To support preparation, students are also encouraged to utilize BigFuture® (bigfutures.org) for career exploration, college planning, and test preparation resources.

Students who participate in the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10 will meet with a school counselor to create or access their College Board account, review available resources, and prepare for online testing. Parents/guardians and students will receive advance communication regarding testing dates and procedures.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams:

Students will also have access to complete AP exams in accordance to the district offered AP Subjects. All AP exams are held in the month of May according to the Collegeboard scheduling. Please speak to your student's AP exam teacher for further information.

AP Information: Collegeboard

In addition, students will also have access to the ACT that is offered at the district in the Spring.

For questions regarding the SAT Suite of Assessments, Advanced Placement Exams, or ACT testing, please contact the Ambridge Area High School Guidance Office.