It is the goal of the Counseling Department at East Jackson Middle School to promote the education of each student at his/her own level of ability and maturity. Recognizing the diversity of the EJMS student body, the program strives to provide a variety of experiences adapted to student abilities and interests designed to guide them toward the realization of their potential. Through guidance, consultation, counseling, and coordination of activities, the program is designed to enhance the quality of life for our community and to provide well-prepared leaders for our society.

Philosophy and Beliefs

The counselor at East Jackson Middle School believes:

• All students have dignity and worth and should be respected.

• All students should be given every opportunity to participate in the school counseling program and have access to a certified school counselor.

• All students’ diversities, whether they are ethnicity, culture, race, socio-economic, or special needs, are to be considered in planning and implementing the school-wide program.

The East Jackson Middle School counseling program should:

• Be planned and coordinated by a state-certified school counselor in partnership with the other educators, parents or guardians, and the community.

• Actively engage students in the classroom, small group, and/or individual activities.

• Provide academic, career, personal, and social development for every student.

• Use data to drive the program development and evaluation, and actively monitor students’ results.

The East Jackson Middle School counselor:

• Will adhere to the professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American School Counselor Association.

• Will participate regularly in professional development essential to maintain a quality school program.

Counseling Services

A variety of counseling services are available for students at East Jackson Middle School. Small group lessons, classroom lessons, as well as individual sessions may be conducted based upon the needs of the students.

The counselor provides services in the following areas:

• Guidance activities to help develop student skills in areas such as friendship, cooperation, goal-setting, responsibility, feelings, conflict resolution, respect, problem-solving, organization, test-taking and study skills, the Safer, Smarter, Kids Program and more will be implemented throughout the year.

• Brief individual counseling to assist students in processing all types of feelings and issues.

• Consultation with parents/caregivers and teachers, to assist with social, emotional, or educational concerns.

• Assisting in referrals for services and community resources.