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Counseling Department

Your School Counselors

Your school counselor or school social worker is a member of the educational team at your student’s school and works toward the goals of Southern Hancock Schools. Just like your student’s teacher, we align with the multi-tiered multi-domain systems of support (MTMDSS) to help students improve academics, attendance and behavior and support their school’s academic and college and career readiness goals.

What does a school counselor do? 

  • Is a Visible, Proactive, Positive, Support for ALL Staff and Students 
  • Teaches classroom guidance lessons
  • Promotes a positive and safe school climate
  • Conducts small group counseling sessions 
  • Consults with parents and families regarding concerns
  • Provides information on community resources for families.
  • Consults with teachers
  • Counsels individual students in brief sessions to facilitate the transition from home to school, to build positive attitudes, self-understanding and self-reliance. 
  • Provides support during a personal crisis

Why Contact the Counselor?

  • Academic Achievement Concerns 
  • Family Transitions (e.g., divorce, death, re-marriage, new sibling)
  • Behavioral & Emotional Concerns
  • Home Stressors
  • Peer Relations
  • Assistance in transitioning to a new school.

NPHS Counselors:

Ms. Caitlin Fangman
 Director of Counseling
 Last names beginning with U-Z
 New Palestine Early College students
 cfangman@newpal.k12.in.us
 317.861.4417 Ext. 2016

Mr. Michael Rentfrow
Last names beginning with A-J
mrentfrow@newpal.k12.in.us
317.861.4417 Ext. 2022

Ms. Summer Grinstead
Last names beginning with K-T
sgrinstead@newpal.k12.in.us
317.861.4417 Ext. 2015

Ms. Taylor Zimmermann
School Social Worker/ Student Services Specialist
tzimmermann@newpal.k12.in.us
317.861.4417 Ext. 2006

 Ms. Nettie Greulich
 Registrar/Secretary
ngreulich@newpal.k12.in.us
 317.861.4417 Ext. 2004