Counselor Roles

The primary role of the middle school guidance counselor is to be a student’s advocate during the critical years of early adolescence when students are in the middle, caught between two worlds. Middle school students struggle daily with the desire to be independent and the need for parental security.

Students seek a counselor’s assistance with any or all types of questions or concerns. Academics, work habits, self esteem, assertiveness, harassment and friendships are common issues of middle school students. Counselors meet with students on an individual basis to encourage them and assist them academically, emotionally, and socially. The developmental curriculum, taught at all grade levels, helps to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, academic achievement and life skills. In addition, when new students transfer to the school prior to the beginning of the new school year, an orientation is held for them and their parents. To ease their transition, all new students are also given a buddy for their first week of school. Counselors evaluate students’ academic progress and consult with teachers, parents, specialists and administrators to ensure student success. 

Each student meets with his counselor individually at least one time during each school year. In addition, all students meet their counselor in small groups and in classroom settings at which time guidance curriculum is presented. The developmental curriculum, taught at all grade levels, helps to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, academic achievement and life skills. In addition, when new students transfer to the school prior to the beginning of the new school year, an orientation is held for them and their parents. To ease their transition, all new students are also given a buddy for their first week of school.

Counselors are part of a team including parents, teachers, administrators, and specialists. This team is responsible for guiding each student’s development through the middle school years and closely monitoring their academic progress. When a concern surfaces at a team meeting, the counselor will review the student’s educational history, collect data, meet with the student and report findings to the other team members. Counselors then work with the team to develop strategies specifically designed to provide the student with opportunities to alleviate the presenting problem.          

If students are experiencing social or emotional issues, counselors will meet individually with students. The counselor provides support, collaborates with the adjustment counselor, teachers, parents and outside agencies to develop a plan to assist the student. 

The sixth grade is split between the two counselors. At the seventh grade level, each counselor takes a full grade and follows the grade through the remainder of the middle school experience. In addition to the guidance counselors, the region employs an adjustment counselor/licensed social worker to provide additional support and advocacy to students who may benefit from more specialized services. 

When seeking a conference with a counselor, students should give their name to the guidance secretary or make an appointment directly with the counselor. Students will be issued passes indicating the meeting time with their counselor.

Parents are encouraged to call and make an appointment with the counselor whenever they have any questions or concerns about their children. Communication is particularly important whenever there is an illness, death, separation, divorce, stress, or other family crisis.