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Student Services

Middle School Building

The transition to Middle School involves many changes both for students and parents.  Among the new people you and your child will meet is the School Counselor and school psychologist.  This brochure will give you a brief idea of the role of the Middle School Counselor and Middle School Psychologist.

The SCHOOL COUNSELOR is a certified professional educator who assists students, teachers, parents and administrators.  The role of the counselor is to help students as they seek to identify and achieve personal goals, and assume rights and responsibilities in various life roles at each developmental stage.  The functions of the school counselor are developmental and impact on all grade levels.

Some of the ways the Middle School Counselor can assist you are listed below:

CREATION OF K-12 DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM – includes attention to many of the aspects listed here as well as personal growth, relational growth, career planning and self-esteem building delivered through individual and group sessions.                                                                    
ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT AND PLANNING - includes the selection of a plan of study, placement into appropriate courses and programs, attendance improvement, study skills development, as well as participation in the CSE process as appropriate.

PERSONAL/SOCIAL GROWTH  - includes counseling concerning self-esteem, communication skills, decision-making and relationship skills, as well as peace-making, prejudice-reduction, and compassion.

CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES – includes counseling students in crisis, e.g. suicide prevention, child abuse, pregnancy, substance abuse, and providing follow-up services as appropriate.  The counselor plays an integral part in the crisis intervention team.

TRANSITIONAL SERVICES - Orients students as they move from grade to grade as well as from school building to school building so as to provide a comfortable and success oriented learning environment.

PARENT SUPPORT- includes individual conferences and group meetings with parents centered on the academic and personal growth of their children.  This also includes the referral of students and parents to appropriate specialists.

TEACHER SUPPORT – assists teachers in enhancing the learning capabilities of students entrusted to their care.

CAREER/LIFE PLANNING – Increases students’ awareness of the careers and educational planning process as well as the individual careers themselves, and instills in students the values and attitudes necessary for becoming a successful contributor to their families and to society.

CONSULTANT – includes serving as a reference on student and school issues for the school psychologist, the school social worker, teachers, administrators and the community, as well as for local and state agencies, mental health offices/clinics and other professionals designated by parents and/or the school district.

DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT (DASA – Effective 7/1/2012 in NYS) - The goal of the Dignity Act is to create a safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and focus, rather than fear being discriminated against and /or verbally and/or physically harassed.

A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST is a professional with specialized training in psychology and education.

What does a School Psychologist do? 

  • ​provide direct support and interventions to students,
  • consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals to improve support strategies;
  • work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. 

Why do we need School Psychologists?

All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning, social relationships, making difficult decisions, or managing emotions such as depression, anxiety, worry, or isolation.
 
School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face. They understand how these issues affect learning, behavior, well-being, and school engagement.
 
School psychologists are highly skilled and ready resources in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and in life.