School Counseling Department
As school counselors, we are passionate about providing a comprehensive, data-driven program that emphasizes the academic, career, and social-emotional success of all students. We work directly with students, staff, families, and the community; as well as consult with and refer to outside resources when needed.
Additional Supports and Outside Partners
Charles City Community Schools partners with local organizations to provide mental health services for our students while they are in school. Contact your school counselor for more information. Additionally, we collaborate frequently with our district social worker.
Some outside counseling resources can be found at this link: Floyd County Resources
Important Links
2022-23 High School Coursebook
Secondary Student Handbook
Elementary Student Handbook
Social Media
Graduation Requirements
According to board policy 505.5, Graduation Requirements, students must successfully complete the courses required by the school board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.
The following credits are required for graduation:
English/Language Arts 8 credits
Mathematics 6 credits
Science 6 credits
Social Studies 6 credits
Physical Education 4 credits
Financial Literacy 1 credit
Electives 23 credits
Total: 54 credits
Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study as described in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
School Counselors
Sandy Thomson
Washington Elementary School Counselor
Call 641-257-6580 or email to connect with Mrs. Thomson.
Education: M.Ed. with a Specialization in K-12 School Counseling, Iowa State University; B.A. in Psychology, University of Northern Iowa; Current Viterbo University Doctoral Student in Counselor Supervision.
Hi, Mrs. Thomson here, and I am honored to serve as the PK-2nd grade Washington Elementary Counselor in the Charles City Community School District. I have been serving in the Charles City District since 2007. I served as the Lincoln Elementary Counselor for many years before transferring to Washington Elementary six years ago.
As a school counselor, I am passionate about making connections and relationships with students and families. My goal is to provide a caring, collaborative and inviting environment where I believe every student and family can achieve success. I believe the early elementary years are critical in developing positive, lasting relationships and rapport with students and families. My hope is by offering a caring climate to families in the early elementary years, we can set up a successful school career for our students and their families.
I have a unique perspective on the early developmental stages of students, therefore, I am able to design and deliver a developmentally appropriate comprehensive counseling program through individual student meetings, family meetings, small group meetings and classroom curriculum. I believe in having a collaborative and communicative culture with parents, teachers and students.
Michelle Dohlman
Lincoln Elementary School Counselor
Call 641-257-6570 email, or utilize ClassDojo to connect with Ms. Dohlman.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education, University of Minnesota. Master of Science in Education K-12 School Counseling, Buena Vista University
Background: I have worked in the public school system since 2004. For nine years, I served as an agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor to the Rockford Community School District. I then worked at the Osage High School for 13 years as the high school counselor. From there, I worked in the Riceville Community School District as the K-12 school counselor for three years. This is my second year in the Charles City Community School District. I feel fortunate to work in a district that has such amazing students, families, and staff and look forward to building relationships and supporting the development of the youth.
My service to the students, families, and district is to provide large class lessons, small group meetings, and short-term individual counseling sessions.
Ray Cole
Charles City Middle School Counselor
Families may call 641-257-6530 or email to connect with Mr. Cole.
Students can request to see a counselor by (Chromebook)
Education: American Public University; M.A. School Counseling, Wartburg College; B.A. School Liaison.
I am honored to be able to serve the Charles City Middle School 5-8 student body. Before joining the Charles City School District, I served as a middle school counselor for the Waterloo Community School District, for 9 years.
Becoming a school counselor was not a choice but a calling. Growing up with empathy and compassion for others, I knew I would be able to give students the support they would need in challenging times. I wanted to help students in a meaningful way to overcome barriers to learning along with emotional struggles.
As a school counselor, one of the best things is I also get to advocate and work with all students to bring out their full potential.
Chealsey Moen
Charles City High School Counselor
Classes of 2024, 2026
Families may call 6410257-6510 or email to connect with Mrs. Moen.
Students may connect with Mrs. Moen at https://cmoen.youcanbook.me.
Education: A.S.C. Principalship, University of Northern Iowa; M.A. Counseling, University of Northern Iowa; B.A. in Art and Minor in Psychology, Luther College
I’m privileged to serve Charles City High School students in the graduating classes of 2024 and 2026. Prior to joining Charles City in 2018, I was a school counselor for grades 7-12 at Rockford Junior-Senior High School. My experience also includes working within post-secondary education at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wartburg College and University of Northern Iowa. As a school counselor, I work to maximize student potential by addressing academic, social-emotional, college and career needs through classroom lessons, small groups, short-term individual counseling, crisis counseling and referrals to outside resources. I am passionate about working with all students as they complete their secondary education and transition to become successful young adults. Another substantial portion of my role as a school counselor includes collaboration with parents, teachers, administration, outside resources and our community; I invite you to call or email me with any questions, thoughts or concerns you might have.
Laura Smith
Charles City High School Counselor
Classes of 2023, 2025
Families may email or call 641-257-6510 to connect with Mrs. Smith.
Students may connect with Mrs. Smith at https://lsmithcc.youcanbook.me.
Education: University of Northern Iowa, M.A. Counseling; Iowa State University, B.A. in Child, Adult, and Family Services
I provide services to Charles City High School students in the graduating classes of 2023 and 2025. Prior to moving to Charles City in 2020, I served as a 7-12 School Counselor at Gladbrook-Reinbeck Junior-Senior High School for two years.
My school counseling program encompasses college and career exploration, short-term individual counseling, classroom lessons, crisis counseling, and referrals to outside resources when necessary. I am passionate about the process of building relationships with students and families so their high school experience can be the best it can be. A priority of mine as a school counselor is to communicate to staff, teachers, parents, families, and the community as much as possible, so please feel free to call or email me if there is anything I can do to help your family and your student(s) be successful.
Website Links
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Bullying Prevention
Mobile Crisis
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Northeast Iowa Food Bank
Pass the Love