SMS School Organization

Seymour Middle School (SMS) is a middle-level learning facility for students in grades 6 through 8, organized using the "team model." We currently have six interdisciplinary teams that serve approximately 500 students. Each team is composed of four core subject areas—Language Arts, Science, Math, and Social Studies—taught by the same group of teachers to a common group of students. This model allows teachers to collaborate closely and support students in a cohesive and consistent manner.

In addition to the core subjects, all students participate in Unified Arts courses, including Music, Physical Education, STEM, Health, Art, Library Media, and World Language (Spanish by placement). The grade-level teams routinely meet to discuss curriculum matters, scheduling, student concerns, and team activities, ensuring a well-rounded and coordinated educational experience for each student.

Each student is also assigned a School Counselor from the Counseling Department who works closely with the teaching team. The Counselor is in constant communication with the team to identify not only academic concerns but also any social or emotional challenges typical of middle school students. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to student development, addressing both academic and personal growth.

Counseling Department Services

The Counseling Department at SMS offers a range of support services through our dedicated guidance counselors, social worker, school psychologist, and speech/language pathologist. These professionals work together to help all students—both regular and special education—make positive adjustments to school, understand their strengths and weaknesses, make informed career choices, and develop realistic future plans.

Services include individual and group counseling, appropriate class placement, home/school liaison support, career education, crisis intervention, and referrals to appropriate external agencies or programs. The School Psychologists, uniquely qualified members of our team, apply their expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to support the academic, social, behavioral, and emotional success of our students. They collaborate with families, teachers, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment, strengthening connections between home, school, and the community.

Additionally, SMS offers voluntary time-limited support groups and peer mediations. These groups, facilitated by School Counselors and the School Social Worker, provide students with opportunities to resolve peer conflicts and develop skills in communication and problem-solving. This year’s group offerings include Divorce/Family Changes, Social Skills, Share Group, Anger Management, Stress Management, Living with ADHD, Positive Thinking, Bullying Prevention, School Organization/Study Skills, and Loss Group. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s School Counselor to sign up for a group, and those wishing to exclude their child from these groups or peer mediations should send a note or email to their child’s counselor.

Our school counseling department also maintains a confidential mailbox for students to report any concerns about a friend’s well-being, suspected acts of bullying, or other issues impacting the school community.

Building a Supportive Environment

It is our hope that, through this design, every student—and their parent or guardian—will have at least one trusted adult within the school community. This could be a member of the teaching staff, a counselor, an administrator, or another staff member. Having a trusted adult provides students and their families with a reliable point of contact for support, guidance, and assistance whenever needed. By fostering these relationships, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels valued and connected at Seymour Middle School.

Confidential Reporting

Students can meet with any member of the guidance staff by appointment. Parents are also welcome to make referrals for their children. Additionally, our counseling department maintains a confidential mailbox where students can report concerns about a friend’s well-being, suspected bullying, or other issues affecting the school community.