Counseling Center
Welcome to the CCS Counseling Center
The CCS Counseling Center supports the academic, social, emotional, career, and personal development of students from kindergarten through graduation. Explore the resources on this page for guidance with academic planning, college and career readiness, student well-being, family support, and leadership opportunities.
Guidance Office Resources
The CCS Guidance Office, led by Mrs. Brigitte Gillette, provides comprehensive academic, career, and post-secondary planning services for students in grades 6–12. Mrs. Gillette works closely with students and families to support course selection, graduation planning, career exploration, college and military readiness, scholarships, financial aid, standardized testing, and social-emotional well-being.
The resources below are designed to help students and families make informed decisions, explore future opportunities, and successfully prepare for life after high school. Whether you're planning your academic path, researching colleges or careers, applying for scholarships, or preparing for your next steps, the Guidance Office is here to provide personalized support every step of the way.
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🎓 Graduation Requirements & Course Catalog
Understanding graduation requirements and making thoughtful course selections are important parts of planning for high school success and life after graduation. The resources below provide information about diploma requirements, diploma options, scheduling procedures, and available courses at Copenhagen Central School.
🎓Understanding Graduation Requirements
Review the current credit, course, and assessment requirements students must complete to earn a New York State high school diploma.
📜Types of Diplomas
Learn about the diploma types and credential options available to New York State students, including distinctions and endorsement opportunities.
📅Scheduling Courses
Review the updated course-scheduling process, including important considerations and steps students should follow when planning their academic program.
📚Course Catalog
Explore course descriptions, prerequisites, academic pathways, and available electives to help create a schedule that supports graduation and future goals.
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🧭 Career Exploration
Exploring careers helps students identify their interests, strengths, skills, and future goals. The resources below allow students to investigate career fields, learn about education and training pathways, and discover opportunities that may help prepare them for life after high school.
🩺Health Career Exploration
Explore healthcare careers, regional workforce opportunities, educational pathways, and programs offered through the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization.
🗺️BigFuture
Explore colleges, careers, financial aid, scholarships, and planning tools that can help you make informed decisions about your future.
💼CareerZone
Explore careers that match your interests, skills, and talents using resources from the New York State Department of Labor.
🚀My Next Move
Research careers, education options, military pathways, and workplace opportunities as you consider your plans after graduation.
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🎓 College Planning
Preparing for college is a process that begins well before senior year. The Counseling Center provides students and families with resources to explore colleges, prepare for entrance exams, plan campus visits, understand college athletics, and stay organized throughout the college-planning process.
🏫Campus Visit
Make the most of a college visit by knowing what to observe, which questions to ask, and what information to gather while touring a campus.
🏅College Athletics
Learn about the college athletic recruitment process, eligibility expectations, and the steps student-athletes should take when considering collegiate sports.
📝College Entrance Exams
Find information about college entrance testing, including when students should consider taking exams and how test scores may be used during admission.
✅College Planning Checklists
Stay organized throughout high school and college planning with timelines and tips that can help you manage and navigate the process.
🧭Need Help Developing a College Plan?
Students are encouraged to meet with Mrs. Gillette for assistance with researching colleges, reviewing admission requirements, planning campus visits, completing applications, requesting transcripts, and preparing for the financial-aid process.
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💰 Financial Aid & Scholarships
Understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities is an important part of planning for college. The resources below can help students and families review current scholarship opportunities, complete the FAFSA, explore New York State financial aid, and learn about college-savings options.
📅High School Scholarship List by Month
Review scholarship opportunities organized by month to help students keep track of application windows and upcoming deadlines. Students should check the list regularly because opportunities and due dates may change throughout the school year.
📝Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for federal grants, work-study opportunities, student loans, and other forms of college financial assistance.
📋Filing the FAFSA
Review helpful guidance about the FAFSA process, required information, important deadlines, and steps families can take before beginning the application.
🗽NYS Financial Aid
Visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation for information about TAP, state grants, scholarships, loans, and college-planning resources.
💰New York 529 Plan
Learn about New York's tax-advantaged college-savings program and how families may use a 529 account to prepare for qualified education expenses.
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👨👩👧 Parent Resources
Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting a child’s academic, social, and emotional development. The resources below provide information about mental health, grief, school safety, awareness and prevention, diversity, social media, and community support.
Mental Health, Safety & Grief
💚Say Something
Learn about warning signs and how students and families can speak up when they are concerned about someone’s safety.
🌻When a Friend Dies by Suicide
Guidance for parents supporting a child after the suicide of a friend, including grief, communication, and emotional support.
🗣️Talking With Your Child About Suicide
Helpful information for beginning a calm, direct, and supportive conversation with a child about suicide.
🤝Attending the Funeral of a Friend
Suggestions for preparing a child to attend a friend’s funeral and helping them understand what to expect.
Awareness & Prevention
🛡️Awareness and Prevention
Review awareness and prevention information designed to promote student safety, well-being, and healthy decision-making.
Race, Diversity & Inclusion
🌎Talking to Kids About Race and Racism
Advice for parents on discussing race, racism, violence, and protest with children in thoughtful and age-appropriate ways.
👨👩👧Age-by-Age Guide to Talking About Race
Developmentally appropriate suggestions for discussing race and inclusion with children at different ages.
📖Mixed: Diversity Discussion Guide
A story and discussion guide parents can use to support conversations about identity, diversity, and inclusion.
Family & Community Support
📍Lewis County Community Resource Guide
Find local services and community organizations that support children, families, health, and well-being throughout Lewis County.
📱Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Learn about the relationship between social media use and youth mental health, along with considerations for families.
🏘️Lewis County Resources
Northern New York Community Schools (NNYCS) connects individuals and families with resources throughout Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Visitors can find service providers offering health services, educational programs, family events, activities, and other community supports. A monthly newsletter helps families stay informed, and the Community Schools Coordinator can assist when additional help is needed.
🤝Need Additional Support?
Every child faces unique challenges throughout the school years. The CCS Counseling Center is committed to partnering with families by providing guidance, resources, and support. Families with concerns about a child’s academic progress, emotional well-being, or social development are encouraged to contact the Counseling Office.
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🪖 Military Career Information
Military service can provide students with opportunities for career training, leadership development, education benefits, and service to the country. Students interested in exploring military careers, ROTC programs, or enlistment requirements can use the resources below to learn more about each branch and the ASVAB assessment.
✈️Air Force ROTC
Learn about Air Force ROTC scholarships, college programs, leadership training, eligibility requirements, and pathways to becoming an Air Force officer.
🪖Army ROTC
Explore Army ROTC programs, college scholarships, leadership development, service commitments, and opportunities to begin a career as an Army officer.
⚓Marine Corps
Learn about Marine Corps education, leadership, professional military education, service opportunities, and pathways for students considering military service.
🚢Navy ROTC
Explore Navy ROTC programs, scholarships, officer-training opportunities, academic expectations, and pathways into Navy and Marine Corps service.
📝ASVAB Testing
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery measures skills and abilities that help determine eligibility for military service and identify career areas that may be a strong match. Students can learn about the test, preparation, scoring, and military eligibility requirements through the resource below.
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💼 Student Employment
Finding a first job is an important step toward independence, responsibility, and career readiness. The CCS Guidance Office can help students understand New York State employment requirements, obtain working papers, explore summer employment opportunities, and prepare for the application and interview process.
📋Working Papers Application
Students and parents should complete Section 1 of the application and return it to the Counseling Office with proof of a physical examination completed within the past calendar year.
⚖️NYS Child Labor Laws
Review New York State requirements for young workers, including permitted work hours, age restrictions, prohibited occupations, and workplace protections for minors.
🌞Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth Employment Program connects youth ages 14–20 with paid work experiences, career exploration, workplace skill development, and learning opportunities that support social, civic, and leadership growth.
Local Summer Employment Resources
Students can learn more about Summer Youth Employment Program opportunities, eligibility, and application information through the WorkPlace serving their county.
📍Jefferson County WorkPlace
Explore youth employment programs, career services, job-search assistance, workforce development resources, and summer opportunities available through Jefferson County.
🏢Lewis County WorkPlace
Find local youth-employment opportunities, job-search assistance, career exploration, and workforce services available to students and families in Lewis County.
Preparing for Employment
📝Resume & Interview Tips
Learn how to create a simple first resume, complete job applications carefully, prepare for common interview questions, and make a positive first impression.
✅Getting Ready for Your First Job
A strong application and a little preparation can help students feel more confident when applying for a first job. Use the suggestions below as a starting point.
Resume Basics
- Include your contact information.
- List education, activities, volunteer work, and relevant skills.
- Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
- Proofread for spelling and accuracy.
Application Tips
- Follow every direction carefully.
- Use complete and accurate information.
- Ask permission before listing references.
- Submit materials before the deadline.
Interview Preparation
- Research the employer before the interview.
- Practice answering common questions.
- Dress neatly and arrive early.
- Bring questions to ask the interviewer.
🤝Need Help Getting Started?
The CCS Guidance Office can assist students with working papers, employment questions, career exploration, resume preparation, and locating local job opportunities. Students are encouraged to stop by the Counseling Office whenever they need help preparing for employment.
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📝 Testing Information
Standardized tests may play an important role in college admissions, course placement, and earning college credit. The resources below can help students and families review ACT and SAT registration information, learn about Advanced Placement exams and credit policies, and develop strategies for managing test anxiety.
📅ACT Test Dates
Review upcoming ACT testing dates, registration deadlines, testing locations, fees, and other information students need before registering.
✏️SAT Test Dates
Find SAT registration information, upcoming test dates, deadlines, testing policies, preparation resources, and details about the digital SAT.
📚AP Exam Information
Learn about Advanced Placement courses and exams, exam preparation, test-day expectations, scoring, and how AP experiences can support college planning.
🎓AP Credit Policies
Search colleges and universities to see how they may award credit or placement based on Advanced Placement exam scores.
🧘Managing Test Anxiety
Feeling some stress before a test is common. Students can reduce test anxiety by preparing ahead of time, getting adequate sleep, using positive self-talk, practicing relaxation strategies, and asking for help when needed.
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📝 Complete the Form
Please complete the form below. Be sure to review your responses before submitting.
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🌟 Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Copenhagen Central School’s Youth Advisory Council gives students in grades 9–12 an opportunity to develop leadership skills, support their school and community, and make meaningful decisions about projects that benefit local children and families.
📅Monthly Meetings
YAC members meet after school each month to review grant requests, discuss student matters, and plan activities that support CCS students and the wider community.
🎤Student Activities
Members help organize student-centered projects and events, including the annual Talent Show, which collects canned goods for the CCS Backpack Program.
🤝Student Leadership
The council gives students a voice in funding decisions while building collaboration, responsibility, service, and leadership skills.
💡Have an Idea for a School or Community Project?
Students and community members may submit grant requests for projects that will benefit children in the school or community. YAC members review submitted applications and help determine which ideas may receive funding.
Pratt Northam Foundation YAC Goals
The Pratt Northam Foundation sponsors Youth Advisory Councils to give students in grades 9–12 the opportunity to make funding decisions about ideas proposed by students and their peers.
🧠Encourage Creative Thinking
Inspire students to identify needs, generate ideas, and develop thoughtful solutions for their school and community.
💰Fund Youth-Led Projects
Support projects proposed by young people that create a positive and lasting benefit for their community.
❤️Promote Service and Philanthropy
Help students develop a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, generosity, service, and community involvement.
🙋Interested in Joining YAC?
Students interested in becoming part of the CCS Youth Advisory Council should speak with a current YAC member or stop by the Counseling Office for more information.
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Capping Off the Year
2025–2026 Guidance Office Newsletter
Celebrate the accomplishments, milestones, and memorable moments of our students from throughout the 2025–2026 school year. This special edition highlights student achievement, leadership, service, career readiness, awards, scholarships, and the graduating Class of 2026.
CCS P–12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program
The CCS P–12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program serves as the framework for counseling services across our district. It outlines our vision, mission, program goals, and comprehensive approach to supporting every student's academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional development from kindergarten through graduation.
Guided by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and New York State School Counseling regulations, this plan reflects our commitment to providing equitable, student-centered services that empower every learner to reach their full potential.
📄 View the CCS P–12 School Counseling Program
School Social Worker Resources
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🤝 How I Support Students & Families
As the CCS School Social Worker, I work with students, families, school staff, and community agencies to help remove barriers that may affect a student’s ability to learn, grow, and succeed. Support may include counseling, crisis response, attendance assistance, family guidance, and connections to local programs and services.
💬Individual & Group Counseling
I provide individual and small-group counseling services to help students strengthen social-emotional skills, develop healthy coping strategies, build confidence, and work toward goals identified through their Individualized Education Program or other student-support plans.
🛟Crisis Response & Immediate Support
I provide crisis-response support throughout the school building whenever a student is experiencing emotional distress, a difficult situation, or an immediate need. Support may take place in the classroom, hallway, counseling office, or another appropriate setting.
🏫Attendance & School Engagement
When attendance becomes a challenge, I work with students and families to identify barriers, develop supportive plans, and encourage a successful return to school. This may include family meetings, school-based interventions, or home visits when appropriate.
🌎Community Resources & Referrals
I help students and families connect with local services throughout Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Resources may include mental-health treatment, food and nutrition assistance, family support, case management, health services, and other programs that promote individual and family wellness.
👨👩👧Family Partnerships
Every family’s situation is unique. I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to understand their concerns, identify strengths, develop practical next steps, and connect families with supports that can improve student success both at school and at home.
❤️Student Wellness & Advocacy
I advocate for students by helping ensure their social, emotional, behavioral, and basic needs are understood and addressed. My goal is to help every student feel safe, supported, connected, and ready to learn.
🤲Support Beyond the Classroom
Families are encouraged to reach out whenever a student or household is experiencing a challenge that may affect well-being or school success—even when the concern is not directly related to academics. Together, we can identify helpful next steps and connect your family with appropriate school or community resources.
Conversations are handled respectfully and confidentially, except when disclosure is required under mandated-reporting guidelines or when there is a concern for safety.
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⭐ School-Based Support Programs
The CCS School Social Worker helps coordinate several evidence-based programs that support students' social, emotional, and behavioral development. These programs are designed to identify student strengths, provide early support when needed, and help every child feel connected, confident, and successful at school.
🌱Social-Emotional Learning Team
The Social-Emotional Learning Team supports the whole child by recognizing that social and emotional development is just as important as academic growth. Twice each school year, strength-based screening tools are used to gather information about the social-emotional skills of students in PreK through Grade 5.
The Teacher-Child Rating Scale (T-CRS) and Child Rating Scale (CRS) help identify student strengths and determine whether additional classroom or school-based support may be helpful.
Possible supports may include:
- School-home communication systems
- Behavior and self-monitoring supports
- Break cards and classroom strategies
- Focus Groups (Lunch Bunch)
- Check In–Check Out
- Primary Project
- Individual or community-based counseling
Participation is voluntary. Families are partners in every step of the support process.🎨Primary Project
Primary Project is an evidence-based early intervention program for students in PreK through Grade 3 that strengthens school adjustment, confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being.
Students are identified through teacher screenings, classroom observations, and recommendations from the Social-Emotional Learning Team.
Our Child Associate
Mr. Logan Spaulding meets individually with participating students for approximately 30 minutes each week over a 15-week period. Through structured play-based activities, he helps students build confidence, strengthen social skills, and develop a greater sense of belonging within the school community.
Parent or guardian permission is required before participation in Primary Project.
💚Early Support Makes a Difference
By identifying student strengths early and providing appropriate supports, CCS helps children build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills needed for long-term success both in and out of the classroom.
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CCS Backpack Program
The CCS Backpack Program, coordinated by Mrs. Michelle Bartlett, helps provide nutritious food to students and families for weekends and school breaks. The program is designed to reduce food insecurity while ensuring students have the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed. Enrollment is confidential, available throughout the school year, and open to families who may benefit from additional support. The program continues to be made possible through the generosity of our community and school partners.
🎒 Learn More About the Backpack Program
Meet Our Counseling Team
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Brigitte GilletteSchool Counselor | Grades 6–12 Mrs. Brigitte Gillette serves as the School Counselor for students in grades 6–12, supporting students and families throughout their middle and high school years. She works closely with students to help them achieve their academic, career, and personal goals by providing guidance in course selection, graduation planning, career exploration, college and military readiness, scholarships, financial aid, and standardized testing. In addition to academic and post-secondary planning, Mrs. Gillette provides social-emotional support, helping students navigate personal challenges while developing the confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills needed for lifelong success. She is committed to building positive relationships with students and families and believes every student deserves encouragement, individualized support, and opportunities to reach their full potential.
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Michelle BartlettSchool Social Worker | Grades K–12 Mrs. Michelle Bartlett serves as the School Social Worker for Copenhagen Central School, providing support to students and families across all grade levels. She works collaboratively with students, parents, staff, and community agencies to help remove barriers that may impact a student's ability to learn, grow, and succeed. Mrs. Bartlett provides individual and group counseling services, crisis response, attendance support, and assistance connecting families with valuable community resources throughout Jefferson and Lewis Counties. She understands that every family faces unique challenges and is committed to helping students and caregivers access the support they need in a compassionate, confidential, and respectful environment. Her goal is to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and connected both in school and within the community. |
Contact Our Counseling Team
Have a question? Send a secure message to one of our counseling staff members.
As the CCS School Social Worker, Mrs. Michelle Bartlett is dedicated to helping students and families access the support they need to be successful. She coordinates a variety of school-based programs, connects families with valuable community resources, and partners with staff to promote student wellness, strengthen social-emotional skills, and remove barriers to learning. The resources below provide information about many of the services and programs she oversees throughout the school year.