PROGRAM AND SERVICES

What is a School Counselor? School counselors help every student with academic achievement, personal and social development, and career planning. School counselors in the 21st century are highly trained educators in pre K—12 settings who uphold ethical and professional standards to design, implement and manage comprehensive, developmental, results-based school counseling programs that promote and enhance student success. School counselors address the academic and developmental needs of all students, not just those in need, by collaborating with students, parents, school staff and the community. School counselors manage the school counseling program and hold their programs accountable by monitoring student progress to ensure that the school counseling program meets its desired goals and objectives. They make data-based and data-driven decisions about the school counseling program.

School counselors help all students:

  • apply academic achievement strategies

  • manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills

  • plan for post-secondary options (higher education, military, work force)

School counselors provide:

  • individual student academic planning and goal setting

  • school counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards

  • short-term counseling to students

  • referrals for long-term support

  • collaboration with families/teachers/ administrators/ community for student success

  • advocacy for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings

  • data analysis to identify student issues, needs and challenges

How FMS School Counselors help all students achieve: We follow a comprehensive core curriculum to work with students in individual, small group and classroom settings. We help students create an academic plan for their education to prepare for successful careers after graduation. We help students develop the necessary skills, such as organizational, time management, and study skills. We help students overcome obstacles that may form barriers to learning by helping students respond to issues such as divorce or death in their family, as well as developmental issues typical in childhood and adolescence.

How FMS School Counselors help all students prepare for the future: We assist students to develop personal awareness and explore career goals. We counsel students regarding career planning and preparation. We help students develop communication and interpersonal skills needed to relate well to others. We encourage students to become lifelong learners.

The counseling program at Fluvanna Middle offers a variety of services for your child. Please contact your child's counselor for specific questions or concerns. Below are listed the services that are currently available.

Individual Counseling:

Counselors are available to meet with students on an individual basis for any social, emotional or academic concerns. Referrals are through staff, parent, peer or self.

Group Counseling:

We offer various support groups, based on student need, throughout the year. Topics include Grief and Loss, Divorce and Step Families, Stress Management, Anger Management, Self-Esteem, Growth Mindset and School Success, Making and Keeping Friends, among others. Groups meet once a week for typically 8 weeks, during non-academic periods. Students participate in groups through a parent or staff referral, or they may refer themselves. Written parent permission is required.

Classroom Core Curriculum:

In addition to teaching the Second Step course for 5th and 6th graders as an elective, counselors visit 5th-, 6th- and 7th-grade classrooms year-round to present information on College and Career readiness, age appropriate social and emotional topics, as well as scheduling procedures and class selection for the following year.