BMS Counselors' Corner
Feb 2017 Newsletter
Happy National School Counselor's Week!
Classroom
Small Group
Individual Counseling
A Message From the American School Counselor's Association:
Middle school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Middle school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve success in school. School counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century.
Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. 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. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership is encouraged as it enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness."
From: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/careers-roles/why-middle-school-counselors
We Provide Responsive Services and School Support
- Individual and small group counseling
- Individual/family/ school crisis intervention
- Consultation/
- collaboration
- Referrals
- Professional development
- Consultation, collaboration and teaming
- Program management and operation
- Testing Prep and Organization
- Scheduling
- Social Skills Support
- Academic support
- School climate
- Mediation
- Friends of Rachel (School Climate and Leadership)
Collaboration is key!
- Parent newsletters
- Parent and family education
- Parent conferences
- Teacher Conferences
- Resource referrals
- Educational Planning (registration & transitions)
- IEP and 504 meetings
- Assistance with students’ academic plans
- Classroom guidance activities
- At-risk student identification and implementation of interventions & Behavioral management plans
- School climate & School-wide needs assessment
- Student data and results
- Leadership
- Crisis interventions
- Mentors
We Provide Individual, Group & Classroom Counseling
- Academic and Behavioral support
- Organizational, study, and test-taking skills
- Education in understanding self and others
- Coping strategies
- Peer relationships and effective social skills
- Communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution
- Substance use/abuse education
- Multicultural/diversity awareness
- Goal-setting/decision-making
- Career/Academic/ Transition planning
- Education on self-esteem and value