Mr. Aaron Slusser, Counselor – 742-7685 ext. 4022
Ms. Holly Rorke, Counselor – 742-7685 ext. 4021

“Today’s young people are living in an exciting time with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies, and expanding opportunities. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders, and citizens, every student needs support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Early adolescents face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement.”  (The American School Counselor Association)

The Role of Middle School Counselors

Each new school year presents new challenges and experiences to students; middle school is such an exciting time!  Students grow & change and set full steam ahead on the journey of figuring out who they are, where their interests lie and how they would like their life path to look.

Middle school often comes with its own special set of challenges – from academics & friendships, to family dynamics & future career paths.  During this time families begin to see their children move towards adolescence and into the teenage years. Co-curricular activities, peer relationships and social interaction seem to suddenly become more prominent in the lives of students than they ever were before.

Middle school counselors are skilled and trained to support students, families, and school communities in navigating this exciting time!

Middle School Counseling Services

School Guidance Curriculum

• Academic skills support

• Organizational, study and test-taking skills

• Education in understanding self and others

• Coping strategies

• Peer relationships and effective social skills

• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

• Career awareness, exploration and planning

• Substance abuse education

• Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

• Goal-setting/decision- making

• Academic planning

• Career planning

• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

• Transition planning

Responsive Services

• Individual and small group counseling

• Individual/family/school crisis intervention

• Peer facilitation

• Consultation/collaboration

• Referrals

System Support

• Professional development

• Consultation, collaboration and teaming

• Program management and operation

Middle School Counselors Collaborate With:

Parents

• Parent information night

• Communication/networking

• Academic planning programs

• Parent and family education

• One-on-one parent conferencing

• Assessment results interpretation

• Resource referrals

• College/career exploration

Teachers

• Career portfolio development

• Assistance with students’ academic plans

• Classroom guidance activities on study skills, career development, etc.

• Academic support, learning style assessment and education to help students succeed academically

• Classroom career speakers

• At-risk student identification and implementation of interventions to enhance success

• Parent communication/education

Administrators

• School climate

• Behavioral management plans

• School-wide needs assessment

• Student data and results

• Student assistance team building

• Leadership

Students

• Peer education

• Peer support

• Academic support

• School climate

• Leadership development

Community

• Job shadowing, service learning

• Crisis interventions

• Referrals

• Parenting classes

• Support groups

• Career education

Location: Middle School Guidance