WMS at a Glance

WMS School Counseling Philosophy Statement

At Whisconier, our Middle School Counseling Program is grounded in the belief that every student is a unique individual with their own strengths, challenges, and potential for growth. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where each student can thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. 

Our philosophy is guided by the following core principles:

• Student-Centered Approach: We prioritize the well-being and development of each student, recognizing that their needs and aspirations are at the heart of our counseling program. Our goal is to empower students to become confident, self-aware, and resilient individuals who are prepared to navigate the challenges of middle school and beyond.

• Holistic Development: We understand that a student's emotional, social, and academic well-being are interconnected. Our counseling program takes a holistic approach, addressing not only academic concerns but also supporting students' emotional and social growth. We aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who can reach their full potential.

• Equity and Inclusivity: We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable counseling program that values diversity and celebrates differences among our students. We actively work to eliminate barriers to success, providing equal access to counseling services for all students, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities.

• Collaborative Partnerships: We recognize that the success of our counseling program relies on strong collaboration among students, parents/guardians, teachers, and the broader school community. We actively seek to build and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders, fostering an environment of trust and cooperation.

• Skill Development: Our counseling program focuses on teaching essential life skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication, and conflict resolution. These skills empower students to face challenges with confidence and navigate their middle school years with resilience.

• Prevention and Intervention: We are proactive in addressing issues that may hinder a student's well-being or academic progress. Through prevention and early intervention strategies, we aim to identify and support students before concerns escalate, ensuring their success and happiness at school.

• Confidentiality and Trust: We uphold the highest ethical standards, maintaining the confidentiality and trust of our students. We provide a safe space for students to express themselves openly and without judgment, knowing that their counselor is there to listen and support them.

• Lifelong Learning: Our counseling team is dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay informed about best practices in counseling and adolescent development. We strive to continuously improve our services to better meet the evolving needs of our students.

By embracing these principles, our Middle School Counseling Program at Whisconier aims to empower students to become self-confident, empathetic, and responsible individuals who are well-equipped to succeed academically and thrive in all aspects of their lives. We are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and empowering environment that supports the unique journey of each middle school student.

Counseling Goals and Objectives

The purpose of our school counseling program at WMS is to promote and enhance the learning process in three broad areas: academic development, career development, and personal/social development.  To guide our work with students, we utilize the American School Counselor Association Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. 

" The ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success describe the knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness and social/emotional development. The standards are based on a survey of research and best practices in student achievement from a wide array of educational standards and efforts."