Counseling

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world, and an emerging self-identity. Through a
comprehensive and developmentally appropriate school-counseling program, school counselors work as a team with school staff, parents, other counselors, and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling.

Academic skills support & planning
Organizational, study & test-taking skills
Education in understanding self & others
Development of understanding of strengths & weaknesses
6 District Compact exposure and introductory education
504 management and implementation
Coping strategies and Stress management
Managing and coping with family issues
Peer and friend relationships & effective social skills
Communication, problem-solving, decision-making
Conflict resolution
Career awareness, exploration & planning
Substance abuse education
Multicultural & diversity awareness
Goal-setting & decision-making
Transitions between buildings and life
Growth mindset
School climate
Leadership development
Character education
Developing independence
Feelings recognition and management
Mental health support and instruction
Coordination of district-wide Red Flags protocol

Individual & small group counseling
Classroom lessons
Individual/family/school crisis intervention
Peer mediation facilitation
Consultation/collaboration/communication with all stakeholders
Referrals to outside agencies or counselors
Academic support and scheduling of classes
Social/emotional support for students and staff

• Bring a self-referral note to the counselors’ office or give it to a teacher.
• Have a parent call the counselors’ office.
• Stop by the counselors’ office to set up an appointment

• Teachers/ Support Staff
• Parents
• Nurse
• Administrators
• Self-referred or friend-referred

The counseling staff often has meetings and classroom  lessons to tend to in addition to student needs, so if you would like to speak in person, please call the counselors’ office and set up an appointment. You can also call your student’s counselor and discuss any concerns if you would prefer to talk on the phone, or send a note to your child’s homeroom teacher, or directly to the counseling office.