The School’s Counseling Department is an integral part of the school program and is committed to assisting students, teachers, parents, and administrators.  It is our goal to provide a comprehensive developmental school program by focusing on the rapidly changing needs of young adolescents. The role of the counselor is to contribute to the effective operation of the school by promoting and assisting students in academic, career, and social development. 

Mission Statement 

Our mission is to provide every student equitable access to a comprehensive counseling program that will assist all students in becoming successful global citizens who are competitive in the 21st Century.  In partnership with all key stakeholders (students, parents, community, and educators), we are committed to help meet the academic, social/emotional and career needs of all students.  We believe our students are stronger because of the culture of the community developed at Blythewood Middle School. 

Belief Statements

All students have the ability to achieve and be successful based on their unique developmental needs. 

School counselors serve as an advocate for every student. 

The school counseling program is a critical component within the school system and is integral to the academic, personal/social and career development and progress of each student. 

Student achievement is maximized by participation in a comprehensive school counseling program that is planned, managed, delivered and evaluated by certified professional school counselors. 

The school counseling program helps build a positive school environment by encouraging collaboration among counselors, teachers, administrators, parents and the community to further student achievement. 

The school counseling program is data informed and uses data in the program development and evaluation, and actively monitor student results based on student strengths and needs.

 School counselors will abide by the professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American Counseling Association. 

School counselors will regularly participate in professional development activities to enhance school counseling skills and maintain quality services.  

The Role of the Counselor

• Professional school counselors accept responsibility to help all students through a systematically delivered comprehensive developmental school counseling and career guidance program by incorporating the ASCA’s Mindsets and Behaviors.  At the same time, they respect each student, strive to understand each student’s background and the factors that are influencing his or her present circumstances, and maintain optimism about each student’s future. 

• Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement.  School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.  

• Provide services to students, parents, school staff, and the community through direct and indirect student services  

• Collaborate with teachers to present the school counseling core curriculum lessons and provide suggestions for effective classroom management

• Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of educational, career, and personal plans

• Counsel individual and small groups of students with personal needs/concerns

• Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling

• Coordinate with school and community personnel to bring together resources for students

• Use an effective referral process for assisting students and others to use special programs and services

• Interpret cognitive, aptitude, and achievement tests data to provide interventions and goals for student improvement

• Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards for performance, as well as South Carolina laws and guidelines for confidentiality.