Counseling Department
Waldwick Middle School
Joshua Sussman
Director of School Counseling Services
Tel: 201-652-9000 x 5013
Fax: 201-652-5053
Melanie Moore
School Counselor
Tel: 201-652-9000 x 5018
Fax: 201-652-5053
Email: moorem@waldwickschools.org
Laurie Cassidy
Counseling Center Secretary
Tel: 201-652-9000 x 5007
Fax: 201-652-5053
Guidance counselors work closely with parents, guardians, teachers, nurses, and Child Study Team members to assist in a student’s total development. Services include individual and group counseling; referrals to other agencies; liaison between parents, guardians, and school administrators; and interpretation of standardized tests. Counselors help students make academic, career, and personal choices, but it is the parents, guardians and students who make final decisions in these crucial areas.
Group guidance sessions are held during the middle school years. Although individual student conferences are scheduled regularly, students, parents, and guardians can also request an appointment whenever they see a need.
KEEP Up WITH WHAT’S GOING ON AT WMS!
In our continuing effort to increase communication at Waldwick Middle School, we have introduced the use of Twitter (@WaldwickMiddle) to “tweet” periodic updates about calendar events, student successes, sporting events, and other useful information. Emails will continue to be the official source of information, along with our school website.
To receive these messages automatically on your computer or your web-enabled mobile phone, sign up for a Twitter account. This only takes two minutes and you can begin receiving updates without searching the web. Start following @WaldwickMiddle now at the following link: https://twitter.com/#!/WaldwickMiddle
Please be aware that Waldwick Middle School is simply using Twitter as a form of increased communication. This account will be used strictly for one-way communication and there will be no monitoring of student, parent, or other community accounts. If you are in need of communicating or responding to any WMS administrator or faculty member, please continue to use email or phone. Questions or comments can be directed to Melanie Moore, Guidance Counselor at: moorem@waldwickschools.org
WALDWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL WEBSITE
Please take the time to review the WMS website at https://www.waldwickschools.org. We are a paperless community so we post all forms and other important information on this site. In addition to the wealth of information, faculty pages, parent resources and announcements, we have a Guidance channel as well.
WMS COUNSELING NEWSLETTER
We publish a newsletter three times a year (fall, winter, and spring). This newsletter is loaded with Guidance related items, such as presentations, contests, testing information, and the like. It is posted to the WMS website under "Site Shortcuts" as well.
COUNSELOR MEETINGS
Individual counselor meetings with each student take place several times throughout the school year. The meetings entail assisting students with setting academic and/or social goals for this year. Oftentimes middle school students need reminders that they are here to grow not only academically, but as individuals as well. For the 6th grade students it will be a way to extend upon the group meetings held previously (such as the 5th grade orientation, grade level meetings, etc.). For the 7th and 8th grade students it will be to discuss goals and strategies to meet the demands of middle school and to prepare them for the rigors of high school academics. Establishing good study and time-management habits in the middle school will make the transition to high school one step easier.
GENESIS PARENT PORTAL
Genesis is the student database we utilize at Waldwick Middle School. Parents will receive a letter during the summer (prior to the start of school), which will provide more information about the registration and use of this program. The Parent Portal allows parents to view their child’s progress and grades online throughout the school year.
HOMEWORK REQUESTS
Waldwick Middle School does not collect homework for students who are absent. Students can access the work they are assigned through Google Classroom and the WMS Website Team Pages.
NOTE REGARDING EARLY DISMISSAL
If you are going to pick up your child from school during the course of the school day, it would make the process much easier if you would send a note to the attendance office (first thing in the morning) stating the date, reason and time you plan to pick up your child. That way we can have your child ready and waiting for you in the Main Office. You will still be required to come to the front doors to sign your child out, but it will make the process much simpler as opposed to having to locate and pull your child from class at the last moment. If you have any questions, please call the attendance office at (201) 652-9000 x 5010.
NAVIANCE STUDENT
Naviance Student (formerly Naviance Family Connection) is a web-based program that links counselors and schools with students and parents to improve college and career planning. Naviance Student consists of several tools used for researching colleges and exploring careers. These applications are used at your school and district to promote college and workplace readiness. This program is primarily used at the high school level, but there is a middle school CAREER component. At the middle school level, Career Planner uses The Career Key assessment. Tailored specifically for middle school students, The Career Key helps younger students become more self-aware. This program is introduced to all 8th grade students so that they become accustomed to navigating the program prior to entering high school. Waldwick Middle School will use the email component of this program to communicate with students and parents.
Waldwick Wellness
The Waldwick Wellness Website is a digital haven designed to nurture the social-emotional well-being of our students, parents, and community members. This dedicated platform is a treasure trove of resources aimed at fostering mental health, resilience, and overall wellness.
Navigate through an array of podcasts, mobile apps, and relaxing techniques carefully curated to support you on your journey towards a balanced and fulfilled life. Whether you're a student seeking coping strategies, a parent exploring ways to connect with your child, or a community member looking for valuable insights, the Waldwick Wellness Website has something for everyone.
Discover engaging content such as guided mindfulness exercises, journal prompts to inspire reflection, and expert advice on navigating the complexities of life. Our commitment to the holistic development of each individual in our community is reflected in this comprehensive resource hub.
Visit the Waldwick Wellness Website today and embark on a path of self-discovery, resilience-building, and overall well-being. Your mental health matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Visit the Waldwick Wellness Site below.
