School Counselors

School Counselors

As school counselors we care about the wellbeing and safety of all students. School counselors are specifically trained to help students with academic, social, emotional, and vocational needs of the children.

Haines 6th GradeMs. Holmesext. 8420

Memorial Counseling AssistantMs.Lambext. 8323

7th gradeMs. Bieberbach ext. 8315

8th grade Ms. Scheimreif ext. 8321

The goal of the middle school counseling department is to help bridge the gap between high school and elementary school. Middle school students are no longeryoung children but not yet an adult. As counselors, we want to empower middle schoolers to understand themselves as individuals and as members of their communities. Middle School is very interesting and exciting time of their lives, however; it can also be very complex and difficult. There may be times when students need someone to understand them or when they need help navigating difficult or confusing situations. Often students need help deciding the best way to handle these situations when they arise. They may find it helpful to talk to parents, teachers, school nurse, administrators, or counselors.

Throughout the school year, counselors will meet with interested students, classes or small groups to facilitate developmental, academic and social issues of concern. The goal is to help students better understand the issues and life transitions they may be experiencing. In the past, we have discussed but are not limited to the following issues, friend changes, family transitions, study skills, career interests, bullying prevention, coping skills and cyber safety.

To request an appointment with a counselor, students may stop by the counseling department or ask a teacher for permission to see a counselor.

The connection between home and school is essential to the success of students. School counselors are available for the following services to parents/ guardians:

Facilitating transitions such as 5th to 6thgrade , 6th to 7thgrade and 8th to 9th grade

Individual meetings to discuss academic progress

Interpretation of standardized test results and pupil data

Information regarding child development and growth

Information relevant to promoting academic and social growth

Crisis intervention strategies

Working papers for students 14 years and older- contact Ms. Staffieri

Facilitating communication with teachers to arrange conferences

Withdrawal of students

The Counseling Assistant should be notified at least two days in advance of a student’s impending withdrawal. The parent/guardian will need to visit the counseling office to sign a records release form and provide name and address of new school. The student will receive a withdrawal form and instructions from the counseling assistant. All text books, library books, lunch payments and fines must be cleared before the student secures a transfer card to another school. Copies of report cards, test scores and immunizations will be given to the parent. Official records will be mailed to the new school.