Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child’s school counselor. 

School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, assisting with academic, career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need, but to all students. (ASCA, 2017)

Counselor Jake Burgess (for all RRMS students with last names A-L): Mr. Burgess started his career at RRMS in the 2022-2023 school year as a school counseling intern working under emergency licensure. He has successfully completed his Master's of Education program in Counseling, school counseling focus in June of 2023 and will be returning full time to RRMS for the 2023-2024 school year as a licensed school counselor, an LPC associate, and NCC associate. When Jake is not in the school, he is busy loving his family, reading, running, woodworking, cooking, drawing or doing anything outside. Also, a huge fan of couch chills and Netflix at times. 

Counselor Jenn Bolser (students with last names M-Z): Ms. Bolser received her counseling degree at Portland State University. She has worked at both the middle school and elementary school level.  Before coming to Ron Russell Middle School, she worked in Sherwood School District for 9 years. She enjoys reading, exercising, hiking, spending time with friends and binging on Netflix.

Ms. Bolser and Mr. Burgess do a variety of things at RRMS each day to support every students social, emotional and academic needs:

This may include implementing the Character Strong curriculum, checking in with students, meeting individually with students, doing mediations for conflict resolution, supporting parents,  running small groups, collaborating with teachers and staff, and assisting with the transition to and from middle school.