Role of the school Counselor 

Each child is assigned a certified school counselor who is there to support the whole child emotionally, socially and academically throughout their three years of middle school.  Counselors fill multiple roles for parents, students and staff, as sources of information, resolvers of conflicts, integral team members and as the primary point of contact between home and school.  The Counselors exemplify the school's commitment to maintaining a vital and human connection between adults and young adolescents. They guide, counsel, re-direct and set limits for behavior, while helping students to channel their energies in productive and positive directions.

The counselors understand that each year of middle school is unique, and that the changes from sixth to seventh to eighth grade are profound and must guide the nature of adult interactions with students.  Counselors meet with students on an ongoing basis, individually, in small groups, and though classroom visits. Relevant topics such as transitioning to middle school, scheduling and course selection, stress management, study strategies, career planning and interest exploration and managing the world of smart phones/social media are explored.

The counselors meet with every student individually every year to have an IPR (Individual Progress Review) discussion/check in. Students complete a form that assesses their career interests and academic/social/emotional progress.  This form helps guide the session with the counselors.

GRADE LEVEL INFORMATION

5th to 6th Grade Transition

APRIL Evening online IMS orientation presentation for 5th grade parents

• May: Counselors/Administrators visit MSS to present an overview of 6th grade

• June: 5th graders visit and tour IMS and meet their 7th grade PALS (mentor/buddy)

• June: counselors articulate with 5th Grade teachers about each student

• August: Practice lockers available during school store hours, schedules sent for students and families to do self guided tours

• September: First day of school BBQ and orientation activities with their PAL

6th Grade

• August: Practice lockers available during school store hours, schedules sent for students and families to do self guided tours

• September: Call all students down in small groups to our offices to do introductions and have transition to middle school discussion

• October-November: Fall visit into Student Skills/BSP classes, topics include: transition to middle school, identity map, stress management

• March-April: Spring visit into Student Skills/BSP classes, topics include social media/technology, preparation for 7th Grade, study strategies for finals, and complete IPR form

• April/May: Individual IPR meetings 

7th Grade

• January visit into science classes: Social media/technology and complete IPR form

• February/March Individual IPR meetings 

• March visit into science classes: Preparation for 8th grade schedule/choices

JANUARY: 7th to 8th Grade Parent Orientation online evening presentation 

8th Grade

• October and February visit Home & Careers classes: Career assessment/discussion/presenters

• December visit ELA classes: Social media/technology lesson and complete IPR form

• December/January Individual IPR meetings 

• January visit to Math classes with HS Dept chair: high school overview, elective choices and schedule information, Q & A

JANUARY: HS Curriculum Night online presentation for 8th Grade Parents

• June: Students meet with their assigned HS counselor to do brief introductions and ask questions