MISSION

The vision of the Cuyahoga Falls School Counseling Department is that all students are able to demonstrate knowledge of critical academic, career, social/emotional skills while meeting the expectations of the 21st century. Students will reach their fullest educational potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others while contributing to a culture of caring in their schools, home, community and workplace. 

WHY MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELORS?

Today’s young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies, and expanding opportunities. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders and citizens, every student needs support, guidance and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Early adolescents face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement. 

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate school-counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents, other school counselors, and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. 

WHAT DO MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELORS DO?

School Counselor Curriculum

• Academic skills support

• Organizational, study and test-taking skills

• Education in understanding self and others

• Coping strategies

• Peer relationships and effective social skills

• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

• Career awareness, exploration and planning

• Substance abuse education

• Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

• Goal-setting/decision- making

• Academic planning

• Career planning

• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

• Transition planning

Responsive Services

• Individual and small group counseling

• Individual/family/school crisis intervention

• Peer facilitation

• Consultation/collaboration

• Referrals

System Support

• Professional development

• Consultation, collaboration and teaming

• Program management and operation