School Counseling Department
K-12 District Counseling Mission Statement: To intentionally work collaboratively in a continuous cycle of professional and personal learning. While aligning our K-12 student outcomes and a growth-mindset approach, our mission is to be able to facilitate and celebrate the academic, social-emotional, and career development of all students through student-centered, data-driven, and reflective advocacy and action.
Communication with the Counselors
- Charles City CSD School Counseling Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ccschoolcounseling
- Feel free to email one of our amazing counselors if you are ever in need of support!
- All high school students grade 9-12 have access to a “Class of 20XX” Google Classroom throughout their high school career. It is one of the main communication tools used at the high school and has information about how to contact their school counselor, college and career exploration, college entrance exams, high school course planning, financial aid resources, scholarships, announcements, and more.
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
Social Media
Graduation Requirements
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
Electives: 18 credits
Total: 48 credits
See the 2024-2025 CCHS Course Handbook (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJpeKSHMk6cdaj70Ot59ycLBxE2R3tBr/view?usp=sharing) for specific course requirements and additional information.
School Counselors
Sandy Thomson
Washington Elementary School Counselor
Call 641-257-6570 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.
Jenna Johnson
Charles City Middle School Counselor
Grades 5th-8th
Email: jjohnso@charles-city.k12.ia.us
Families may call 641-257-6530 or email to connect with Mrs. Johnson.
Students may connect with Mrs. Johnson via their “Request a Counselor” form located on their Chromebook.
Education: Associate of Arts from Hawkeye Community College; Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from University of Northern Iowa; Master of Science in School Counseling from Upper Iowa University.
Hi, I’m Jenna Johnson, the middle school counselor at Charles City! I'm thrilled to be part of the Comet community and to support our students as they navigate these important years. This is my first school counseling position, and I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to the growth and success of our students!
My goal as the middle school counselor at Charles City is to foster a culture that nurtures positive relationships and encourages students to do their personal best. I’m passionate about helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally, which is what I love most about my role. I provide weekly classroom guidance lessons, facilitate small groups, and offer short-term individual counseling to support our students. I’m excited to work alongside our students, staff, and community to help them thrive!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help and make meaningful connections to ensure student success. I look forward to supporting you and your student(s) in any way I can!
Casey Brandau
Charles City High School Counselor
Classes of 2024, 2026
Families may call 641-257-6510 or email to connect with Ms. Brandau.
Students may connect with Ms. Brandau at https://cbrandau.youcanbook.me/.
Education: Associates of Arts from Iowa Central Community College, Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Human Services from William Penn University, and Masters of Science in Education - Professional School Counseling from Buena Vista University
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a high school counselor at Charles City High School. This is my first school counseling position and I can confidently say that I chose CCCSD because of all the support they have given me, even before I was offered the job. I am so excited to grow as a professional and individual here.
As a high school counselor, my work includes helping all students apply academic achievement strategies; manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills; and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force). Some of the roles I serve include: individual student academic planning and goal setting; classroom lessons; short-term counseling; referrals to resources and long-term support; collaboration with families, teachers, administrators, and community; advocacy for ALL students; facilitating improved equity and access achievement, and opportunities for all students; and more.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns, you are welcome to contact me so that we can support our students’ success together. I am happy to connect you with the right people and helpful resources.
Laurie Smith
Charles City High School Counselor
Classes of 2025, 2027
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 2025 and 2027. 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