1. IB Counselor - The IB counselor counsels IB students (currently Prospective IB students) in academic and personal areas both individually and in groups. She works with IB teachers and the IB coordinator in such areas as motivation, behavior, parent contacts and student programming.

2. Psychologist, Chicago Public Schools Gifted Department - The Chicago Public Schools assigns a psychologist to work with students in gifted programs based on six geographical areas called "Regions." Students in the Morgan Park (Prospective) IB Program have the services of this psychologist who is trained to work with gifted students. She provides students with individual counseling when referred by a teacher or parent. She facilitates group counseling and addresses issues impacting class harmony. She is a resource person for staff and students, refers students to outside agencies as needed and assists in the selection process for students in the IB Program.

3. College Counselor - The college counselor advises students on college choices, coordinates Advanced Placement testing, publishes a senior information bulletin, coordinates college and scholarship information and applications, coordinates and chaperones college tours, accompanies student groups to college fairs, arranges college recruiter visits, provides students with college information via catalogue and computer, coordinates College Night and College Financial Aid Night and coordinates the school’s honor roll and student recognition.

4. Advisory Period - IB students are scheduled together with students who have graduated from Morgan Park’s Junior High Gifted Program for a daily 25 minute advisory period with selected teachers, generally a Pre-IB, IB or Gifted Program Teacher. The purpose of this period is to address student issues and to allow for directed study or peer tutoring. Issues addressed may be in the following areas: 1) information students need to know about personal development and reaching their potential; 2) information directly related to issues impacting urban students, such as study skills, drugs, career development or cultural differences; 3) discussion of how students feel and interpret their world. As this period will be tied directly to the students in the IB and Gifted Programs, further issues may include concerns such as time management, stress management, goal setting, problem-solving, decision-making, academic counseling, extended essay mentoring and CAS activities.

5. Peer Tutoring - Students within the IB Program with strengths and/or weaknesses in particular areas are identified. They are paired and available for tutoring during the advisory period. Students are encouraged to exchange telephone numbers and to work together during the lunch period or before or after school in the library.

6. Before and After School Tutoring - Tutoring for the general school population, including IB students, is available in the school library one hour before school and one hour after school daily. Teachers of core area subjects are available to help students. At present, a math teacher in the Prospective IB Program participates in morning tutoring and the biology teacher participates in the after school program.

7. College Library Use - Students may use the facilities of two nearby universities: Chicago State University and St. Xavier University. In addition, International Baccalaureate students will have borrowing privileges at the St. Xavier University Library, and we are negotiating borrowing privileges at Chicago State University.

8. Computer Lab - Students are able to use the computer lab located in the back of the library for research and/or word processing one hour before the school day begins and until 4:30 P.M. after school.

9. General Counseling Department Services:

A) Grade Counselors are responsible for individual and group counseling of a designated group of students. Their responsibilities include credit evaluation, school registration, academic planning, college and vocational guidance, and coordination of standardized testing. Individual counselors divide other duties--including recruitment, health and wellness fair coordination, crisis intervention, career day, student advisory period coordination, special education, youth motivation programs and student group programs (Peer Intervention Program and Walkathon).

B) The School Social Worker is responsible for individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation related to students’ issues, referral to community counseling services or psychiatric intervention. The social worker provides support for students re-entering school, assesses possible special education placement and provides direct counseling to students whose Individual Educational Profiles prescribe social work services.

C) The School Nurse is available three days per week. She maintains health records of students; provides health counseling; assists in situations of medical emergency or with ill/injured students; follows up on pregnant students and students with chronic health, vision or hearing problems; initiates educational services for homebound students; coordinates the school’s Blood Drive and provides medical assessments of special education students.

D) The School Psychologist renders psychological services to students with social, emotional, psychological and academic achievement issues. The psychologist also provides special education services to students with disabilities, services to families, school personnel, community and outreach services staff development and training and planning of school programs.

10. The Catholic Youth Ministry Center at Morgan Park High School is located across the street from the school. It is an outreach ministry to young people supported by local Catholic parishes and grant funding. It has a director (who is also a parent of Morgan Park students, one in the Prospective IB Program beginning 1998 - 1999) and two staff members. The Ministry exists to provide religious guidance for Morgan Park students by promoting Christian values and reaching out to students, faculty and community in the roles of advocate, counselor, teacher and friend. All students, regardless of religious affiliation, may use the Ministry’s facilities during lunch periods and after school. Activities include liturgy and prayer, social events (sports, games, films), community service (such as an annual winter coat drive), retreats (including overnight retreats), counseling, classes, Junior High religious education, and a daily drop-in center when students may use the lunchroom and vending machine facilities, the game room, and the lounges for friendly conversation. IB students are also encouraged to use this facility.