A Middle School Counselor is available to all students for support with social-emotional issues, general health and wellness issues, and personal growth strategies. The counselor meets students as needed in private sessions and/or in groups. The counselor is available for consultation with parents, and provides resources/referrals as needed. In addition, she provides ongoing parent education/forums for discussion of Middle School issues. Whenever possible, the counselor's conversations with students remain confidential, although students frequently give permission for the counselor to speak to parents. The counselor teaches the Sixth and Eighth Grade Decision Making classes. The Lower School Counselor teaches the Seventh Grade Decision Making class.
LIFE POSITIVE 6
This Sixth Grade course provides an opportunity for students to gather information about a variety of issues related to personal growth. Emphasis is placed on teaching students new skills in communication, problem solving and relationship building. Factual information about physical development and drug and alcohol use is shared at the appropriate level. Students have the opportunity to present topics for discussion.
DISCOVERIES 7
In this Seventh Grade Life Skills class, the main focus of the first semester is health and wellness. The studies include discussion about nutrition, substance use and abuse, and general health. A unit of study about career opportunities is also included. The Human Development segment of the course is designed to provide Seventh Grade students with an opportunity to explore issues such as sexuality, relationships, and child development. Students are encouraged to share their own feelings, while learning to negotiate the environment around them. Factual information is presented with opportunity for discussion, in-class activities, special projects and guest speakers.
CROSSROADS 8
This course is designed to provide Eighth Grade students an opportunity to explore their personal values, as well as consider the values and ethics, which have been shared with them by their parents, teachers, and other significant persons in their lives. In our multicultural community, there are a variety of religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds. This course allows students to find common ground, while at the same time respecting differences. This course encourages communication between students. It also offers many possibilities for students to discuss ethics and values with parents.