Section V

The BLG Counseling program aims to improve school culture by strengthening trust between teachers and students and cultivating relational capacity. Our program, with the use of "Capturing Kids Hearts" as its main source, addresses the scope and and sequence of this invaluable guidance component through the delivery of counselor-led monthly lessons and teacher-led weekly SEL talks that address core values such as empathy, self-direct, teamwork, responsibility, kindness, perseverance, courage and integrity. These core values are seamlessly integrated throughout the instructional day by staff members, thus affording our scholars the opportunity to put what they've learned into practice. Scholars are encouraged daily to have a positive outlook, affirm and celebrate themselves and others by participating in a segments known as "Good Things" and "Rattler of the Month".  By actively participating scholars are strengthening  intrapersonal and interpersonal effectiveness, learning about one another and making positive social connections, all of which contribute to mental wellness.   Below you will find lessons and other items used to support the developmental needs of our scholars.

The BLG counselors used multiple sources of data such as student, staff and parent needs assessments, ICARE referrals submitted by teachers, parent referrals to school counseling, number of office visits that resulted in conflict resolution and  general perceptions about classmates. The data gleaned from these sources aided in the design and delivery style of the lessons throughout the school year. Additionally, the anticipation of  developmental challenges most commonly experienced  in adolescence, along with the difficulties that generally arise while transitioning into jr. high also drove the decision to focus on self-awareness so scholars can ultimately improve communication and build relationships. 

B.L. Gray counselors convene weekly as a department and monthly with campus administration to discuss student outcomes and make adjustments as deemed necessary.  Empirical as well as non-empirical methods are reviewed, analyzed and discussed to customize the comprehensive counseling program to meet the needs of our scholars. The data obtained from teacher, student and parent referrals, discipline referrals, conflict resolution meetings, academic performance, attendance, student feedback, teacher feedback and informal observations are taken into account when evaluating learning outcomes. 

• Parents/Family: BLG counselors hold the partnership with parents in high regard and understand the value of timely and consistent communication with our most important stakeholders.  We provide parent education on a variety of topics including character traits of the month, tips on how to apply them at home, navigating through jr. high, high school information, among others. Additionally, we supply information on academic planning, college/career awareness and conduct one-on-one parent conferencing as needed. We also provide referrals to outside agencies based on family and student needs and follow up with parents as necessary. 

• Teachers: Teachers are one of our most vital resources as a result of their daily contact with scholars.  We equip them with classroom guidance activities, academic support, research-based methods to aid in scholar's academic success, guest speakers, at-risk student identification, a referral process for students in need (ICARE) , consultation as needed and support for their use of the Capturing Kids Hearts Curriculum. 

• Administrators: Collaboration and communication with our administrative team is essential when designing and delivering a comprehensive program.  Together we work on creating a safe and positive school climate and participate in regular consultation to address student performance and concerns. Additionally, we assist with behavioral management plans, school-wide needs assessments, student data and outcomes, professional development for staff, team building and crisis intervention. 

• Students: Sharyland ISD's mission is to inspire, educate and empower all scholars to reach their full potential and become leaders of the highest moral character. The mission of the district is alive and well at BL Gray Junior High School. All students are socially equitable and treated fairly. Here at B. L. Gray Junior High, we recognize the importance of building meaningful relationships with our scholars as the first step toward laying the necessary foundation for successful learning to occur.

• Community: B.L. Gray counselors understand the impact of having strong ties with the community and believe that community members are also a part of our setting and support our school's path toward high performance. Through participation in events such as Childhood Cancer Awareness Walks, Drive Out the Darkness Parade, Hall- o-Treat , a canned food drive during Thanksgiving, a toy drive in December and events hosted by the City of Mission, scholars understand the need to be a good citizen and support causes that improve our bond with the community. Guest speakers from David’s Legacy, the DEA, and Mission PD increase awareness about some of the most prevalent teen issues. Furthermore, our annual Veterans’ Day ceremony exemplifies community engagement such that B. L. Gray unites to recognize veterans in our community who have served or are currently serving in our nation's Armed Forces.