School Counselors

MSA School Counseling Mission Statement

The mission of the School Counseling Department at Manatee School For the Arts is to provide a proactive, data-driven program that impacts the development of all students, equipping students towards achievement in academics, social-emotional, and career development. The program’s goal is for each student to graduate from high school, become lifelong learners, and responsible members of society.

What Do School Counselors Do?

Our certified, experienced school counselors are here to help students succeed academically, navigate social-emotional challenges, and prepare for their future careers.

Here’s what we offer:

Academic Planning & Goal Setting
Classroom Guidance Lessons aligned with student success standards
Small Group Counseling for social, emotional, and behavioral growth
Short-Term Individual Counseling for academic or emotional support
Collaboration with Teachers, Families, & Administrators
Support at IEP Meetings, 504 Meetings & Student Conferences
Data-Driven Interventions through the MTSS process
Referrals to Long-Term Community Mental Health Resources

When Should Students Meet with Their School Counselor?

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck on your academic path, dealing with a personal issue, or need help planning for college or a career, your school counselor is here to support you.

We’re making it even easier for students to get personalized help:

  • High school students: Please use our Google Calendar link to book an appointment. This helps us give you our full attention without interruptions.
  • Middle school students: Simply stop by the Student Support office or submit a Meeting Request Form to connect with your counselor.

We’re here, we’re listening, and we want to help you thrive.

How to Contact Your School Counselor

You can reach out to us anytime using the method that works best for you:

Email
Schedule a Meeting via Google Calendar Link
Visit Your Grade Level Google Classroom Page
Middle school students can stop by the student support office

Stay connected. Stay supported. We’re here to help you succeed—every step of the way.

 

Who Are Your High School Counselors?
Grades 9-12

NELZA MARZAN
School Counselor
Student Alpha (A-Loo)
nmarzan@msa.raeschools.org
Ext: 1204

BRIGGETT HARRIS
School Counselor
Student Alpha (Lop-Z)
bharris@msa.raeschools.org
Ext: 1129

Who Are Your Middle School Counselors?
Grades 6-8

MONETTA MANCUSO
School Counselor
Grade 6
Grade 8 (A-Li)
mmancuso@msa.raeschools.org
Ext: 1029

ALEX SMERECZNIK
School Counselor
Grade 7
Grade 8 (Ll-Z)
asmerecznik@msa.raeschools.org
Ext: 1151

All 504s will be managed by Emily Hirshman. Ms. Hirshman can be reached at ehirshman@msa.raeschools.org or ext. 1148. 

 

Important Links Provided by Your School Counselor

Tips For A Successful School Year

Academic Support & Tutoring Community Service/Volunteer Graduation Requirements Testing

Getting Along With Your Teachers

How to Make Homework Less Work

Free Online Tutoring with SchoolHouse

Free Online Tutoring with Upchieve

Homework Help Resources

Community Service Form Florida High School Graduation Requirements

Florida Testing Requirements (FAST & EOC)

Testing Schedule

Mental Health,  Wellness & Community Resources

Bullying, Harassment, & Conflict Resolution How to Request an Official/ Unofficial Transcript

College Prep Testing & Resources

Manatee 311 StopBullying.gov Transcript Request

SAT Testing

ACT Testing

CLT Testing

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