Middle School
Why Middle School Counselors?
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement.
Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
Middle school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
Middle School FAQ's
Do the school counselors work with everyone?
YES! Every student will feel the impact of the school counselor’s comprehensive program. School counselors support EVERY STUDENT to reach their greatest potential with academics, social and emotional health, and future career readiness. Utilize your school counselor as a partner during your child’s academic journey for large or small needs.
What services do counselors provide to a student?
Counselors will teach developmentally appropriate lessons to students, provide group and individual counseling, facilitate schoolwide programs, and work with staff and community resources to provide additional support to students.
What does confidentiality with the school counselor mean?
Click HERE for the NC General Statute about confidentiality with school counselors.
If my child needs additional support, are there other opportunities with the school counselor?
In addition to core school counseling services offered to every student, counselors can offer small group counseling, individual counseling, and additional data-based interventions based on a student’s unique needs.
What if I suspect my child is experiencing a specific mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD?
If your child is displaying behaviors that are interfering with typical school and home functioning, reaching out to your school counselor, in addition to medical professionals, is a great place to start in order to troubleshoot what your child may need.
How does the counselor intervene with bullying at the school level?
CMS has a specific policy for bullying prevention as well as a bullying prevention department. More information about what bullying is, the laws and policies that govern support and how to report it can be found on our district’s website. School counselors can be a great bullying prevention resource at the school level and work to establish a positive school climate in schools.
What is the best way to reach out to the school counselor?
Visit your school’s website and review the staff list to locate your school counselor’s email address and/or student services website. You can also call your school’s front office staff to be connected with a school counselor.
How do I know when to reach out to my counselor versus my child’s teacher?
If there is a concern regarding more than one of your child’s classes, the school counselor can arrange that parent-teacher conference.
If there is a concern that needs to be addressed with only one teacher, it is best to reach out to that teacher individually and schedule a meeting, if needed. In the event you feel that your issue or concern has not been resolved, the school counselor can then intervene to further assist you.