7th Grade
The main goal for our 7th grade students is to smoothly transition from their local elementary schools into the larger middle school community. The transition to middle school is one that is exciting, nerve-wracking and full of opportunity. The middle school counselors understand the importance of this time of life. We believe a smooth transition into the middle school is accomplished by getting to know all the students, listening to parents’ and teachers’ insights, and being available and transparent about the process. Counselors visit classrooms and meet in small groups to get to know all of the students and to familiarize them with the supports our office has to provide. Students are encouraged to come in during study halls, before or after school or during lunch/advisory time if they need help with something, need a break in their day, or just want to visit and say hello. Counselors will also reach out when a student is referred by a parent/caregiver, teacher or concerned peer. Several school-wide educational events are planned for grades 7-9 every year to address current concerns such as bullying, social media etiquette and healthy choices.
8th Grade
Eighth graders returning to Woodstock Middle School typically understand the role of the counselors in the school. Our goal in working with 8th grade students is to review the many ways in which we provide support. We visit 8th grade classes to reacquaint students with our services and to stress the importance to looking out for each other. In those visits, leadership and stewardship of their community is encouraged. In partnership with teachers, administrators, parents and a caring community, the school counselors will help all students to be successful lifelong learners and problem solvers. The 8th grade year is a time to prepare for the future. Our goal is to prepare students to become lifelong learners who are able to embrace challenges while becoming successful members of their communities. As effective collaborators, our students will celebrate diversity while working with others to creatively solve problems.
Referral Process
Counselors will reach out to students when referred by teachers, parents, guardians, and concerned peers. Parents are encouraged to contact their child's counselor at any point throughout the school year to discuss any needs or concerns.
Our counselors work closely with faculty and administrators on a variety of teams to ensure that students are learning, making progress and are intellectually challenged.
Acceleration
For students that excel, assistance is provided to find enrichment opportunities both within and outside the classroom. Motivated students should talk to their teachers about opportunities to dig deeper into subject matter being covered in class.
Academic Challenges
For struggling students, grades, test scores and classroom performance are reviewed in team settings and targeted interventions are put in place as needed. Counselors may take the lead in changing classes, finding smaller more structured study halls, locating student tutors or assisting students to organize their day to make time for consultation with teachers.
Social Growth
Adolescence is a time when friends and a sense of belonging become a top priority in students' lives. Counselors are available in a variety of ways, from assisting students in making connections with others to mediating when conflicts arise. Healthy communication and healthy relationships are modeled, taught and practiced in our office. In a world where the advances of technology are outpacing our ability to adapt, adolescent use and misuse of social media has created unique and challenging social situations. Counselors are experienced in supporting students to problem solve how to extricate themselves from communications that have gotten out of their control or to protect themselves when they find themselves on the receiving end of misuse. Counselors also encourage appropriate use of technology to avoid online conflicts.
Emotional Health
Our doors are open and students are always welcome to come in and seek support. Depression, anxiety, grief, family crisis, and the stress of everyday life can be overwhelming. We pride ourselves on having a safe and nurturing environment in the counseling suite and we are available to listen, provide support and make referrals to outside therapists or resources when needed.
Presentations
Several school-wide educational events are planned every year for all grades to address current concerns such as bullying, social media etiquette, and healthy choices.