Woodland Park Middle School
Counseling FAQ’s
Q: How would a student or parent meet with a school counselor?
A: The student needs to fill out a “Counseling Appointment” form, available in the counseling office. Parents can call or email the counselor to schedule an appointment. An appointment is preferable to dropping by as counselors are often unavailable during the day due to meetings, counseling individual students, and making classroom presentations.
Q: How does a student or parent find out a grade in a class before the end of the grading period?
A: The student should talk to the teacher. This lets the teacher know that the student cares about his/her grade and help can be offered. Many teachers can provide a grade sheet showing grades and missing assignments. Parents can address questions and concerns about assignments or grades directly with the teacher either by phone call or email. Counselors do not have access to grades until the end of each grading period.
Q: How should a student get help in a class if they are failing or struggling?
A: Many teachers are available to give extra help either before or after school or during lunch. The student needs to ask for help. 3S club is available after school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. A list of other tutoring resources can be found under “Counseling Resources” on the WPMS website.
Q: How does a student or parent change a class?
A: Schedule changes are made only if class placement/level is inappropriate (i.e. Pre-Algebra to Algebra).
Q: How does a student take a class at Palomar College?
A: Palomar is not a part of San Marcos Unified School District. Students enroll through Palomar registrar’s office. Before enrolling, the student needs to obtain a K-12 form from Palomar and have it signed by his/her counselor. Students may attend Palomar at any age, but some classes, especially in math and English, require a placement test.
Q: What should a student do if they will be missing at least five days of school?
A: The parent should call the attendance office and request an independent study contract.
Q: What should a student do if he/she is going to have surgery or has a serious illness and will miss several weeks of school?
A: The parent should contact the student’s counselor. The counselor will explain what is needed from the doctor in order to provide a home teacher while student recuperates.