School Counseling Services

The work of the school counselor is to encourage students in their development as confident and caring individuals and assist them in the process of becoming committed learners. 

The Counselor:

• helps students to understand themselves better by discussing with them their needs, responsibilities, development, and choices

• talks with students about their academic accomplishments and concerns

• works with students to improve social interactions

• fosters emotional growth in students

• usually serves as the student’s counselor for three years, remains a constant in their life at the Middle School, and develops a relationship with the student

• monitors student progress in all areas over the course of middle school

• consults with teachers and parents to help support student growth- academically, socially, and emotionally

Approaches the Counselor Uses Include:

• talking with students individually on a short term basis

• seeing students in groups, lunch groups, general communication groups or groups with a particular focus

• teaching SEED lessons for students in Grade 6 one class period per cycle and periodically meeting with students in Grade 7 & Grade 8 classes

• presenting grade 9 programs in 8th grade classes and meeting each 8th grade student individually to plan for high school

• presenting Grade 7 and Grade 8 programs and choices for course selection in 6th and 7th grade classes

Other Aspects of the Counselor's Work Include:

• working together with teachers as members or the teacher teams

• consulting with specialists

• meeting and planning with parents

• helping to facilitate the SEED Program

• consulting with personnel of other schools and with mental health professionals

• registering and welcoming new students

• helping with transitions from elementary school and to the high school

• leading parent education workshops

• overseeing the formulation of 504 Plans and coordinating the pre-referral process, SSP