Holston Hurricanes
School Counseling Office
Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!
The HMS school counselors are excited for another great school year! We can't wait to see all of the returning and new faces. As your school counselors, we strive to support the academic, career, and personal development of all students. We provide a variety of student supports including individual counseling, peer mediation, academic planning, career exploration, and a variety of other school activities.
This quarterly newsletter will serve as a way for parents and students keep up to date on current events and information coming through the counseling department. Our newsletters will contain upcoming lesson topics, events, and parenting resources.
Mission Statement
Holston Middle School’s counseling program strives to work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, parents, and the community to meet the individualized academic, emotional, and social needs of each student. Our goal is to instill a desire for learning within an atmosphere that respects all cultures, values, and perspectives. We believe that through this goal, we have the ability to help each student achieve the highest level of excellence.
Meet the School Counselors
Ms. Jackson
Phone: (865) 594-1300 Ext. 41210
Ms. Branson
Phone: (865) 594-1300 Ext. 41212
Minute Meetings
Last year we learned that many of the students struggled with peer relationships and identifying a trusted adult in the building. Therefore, this year we created Holston Huddle which gives students the opportunity to practice social and emotional learning.
Holston Huddle
Holston Huddle is a special time on Monday mornings where teachers will meet with their homeroom students for an additional 30 minutes to develop student strengths in four areas - self awareness, social awareness, decision making skills, and relationship skills. This is a time where teachers can begin to address some of the social emotional needs that not only middle school students require but also those specific to the student population of Holston. The lessons that are being taught were developed intentionally by Holston staff for Holston students. By having this designated time school-wide, we hope to foster relationships where teachers can be more mentors rather than solely disciplinarians.
Counseling Lessons and Topics
The lessons for the first quarter are listed below. The classroom curriculum has been approved by Knox County Schools, and encompasses the TN State Counseling Standards.
Navigating ASPEN, Canvas and Classes
How To Be A Successful Student
High School Success
Attendance Awareness Month
For the whole month of September, students will be tracking their attendance and grades while in Holston Huddle. We will also be making attendance messages on the morning announcements. Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school.
Attendance Statistics
- By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
- By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
- Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks.
Knox County Schools Attendance Policy
- Students are allowed 10 unexcused absences per school year.
- Parents are allowed to write notes to excuse absences only up to 10 times per year.
- When students are absent, they should turn in any doctor or parent notes in the basket in the front office as soon as they return to school.
- Any student who dismisses school before 12:00 pm or arrives at school after 12:00 pm will be counted absent for that day. Please schedule any doctor's appointments accordingly.
Need To Speak With A Counselor?
You may also submit an online counseling referral through the following link: