Mclean High School used to be tops in nation. Then about 2010, they brought in barely educated counselors , who told parents " the child is 18, I cannot release any information to you". Same counselors may have told student to tell parent "if he touches you he goes to jail". Case in point. Do not recall details, but I was admonishing step daughter for her behavior. This had been going on for months, Low grades, claimed no need to study, it was easy. She was on top of stairs and I was at bottom. "you touch me you go to jail". Had no laid hand on her ever, never threatened such. She was. new to U.S. some culture shock perhaps, wanted to fit in, high school cliques being what they are she may have suffered, but no more than many other students in similar situation who graduated with honors. She may have complained to counselors, which is good to have someone outside the home to speak with re any perceived "home issues". In my view, the counselor, did no look at the record and grades, and even though the advise may have been correct, I am certain, it did not go beyond that, in that eg. you should not miss classes, grades need to go up, and ask specific questions re any perceived fears.
There was a reason that there was a banner in front of the high school, "number 19 (as I recall ) in the nation" and within 1-2 years such banner was gone and may not have stayed tops. Two three discussions with school staff clearly indicated that they lacked training and had no real interest in the students other, than go through the motions .Hope things have changed.
I cannot imagine in my day, if I went to a counselor with a problem,and the counselor spoke with my parents the counselor would say "he is an adult". read more