Meeting the Needs of Our Adolescent Students

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents, and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement.

Middle school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self management, and social skills.

Mrs. Brynn Dreyer, West Middle School

Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

(American School Counselor Association)

Our Focuses

Exposing students to a broad range of career clusters and encouraging them to reflect on personal strengths and interests

Providing guidance about coping strategies, conflict resolution, and positive peer relationships

Helping students to develop academic skills, such as organizational and time management abilities and effective study habits

SDMyLife

SDMyLife is an online program assisting students with navigating the career development process. To find a good match, students take interest and ability assessments. They can explore by career cluster, keyword, or school subject. Students can also research postsecondary education and training options, build a portfolio, study with Method Test Prep, and find out about scholarships opportunities.

Second Step

Second Step is Middle school is a time of change. Second Step helps you teach powerful skills and competencies—like handling strong emotions, setting and meeting goals, making good decisions, and forging positive relationships—while building the safe, supported learning environment middle schoolers need to succeed. Second Step is implemented during homeroom time.