Counseling Services at Virginia Middle School
Your Virginia Middle
School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that
addresses the needs of students in grades 6 through 8. Counselors promote and
enhance the academic, personal, social, health and career development of all
students and guide students and their families in making informed educational
decisions.
School counselors at the middle school level support students as they transition from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school. Middle school counselors also serve as a resource for parents and teachers and as a liaison with community agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions at the Middle School Level
What do middle school counselors do?
Your Middle School counselor is knowledgeable about the unique developmental needs of young adolescents and apply that knowledge to their work with students, staff and families. Middle school counselors provide proactive leadership and advocacy to help their students succeed academically, personally, and socially. They work with students in classrooms, in small groups, and individually to build key skills and to address specific concerns.
How do middle school counselors prepare fifth grade students and their parents for their transition to middle school?
Middle school counselors visit the elementary schools during the spring of the fifth grade year to talk with students and parents about middle school and to provide strategies for making a smooth transition. The counselor works with the middle school staff to orient youngsters to their new school setting and to help students build the academic, personal, and interpersonal skills necessary for success. The counselor is also available to work with small groups or individuals who may need additional support during the transition period.
How do middle school counselors prepare students and their parents for their transition to high school?
Middle school is a time when career exploration expands and students begin to connect their aspirations with their academic achievement. Counselors nurture the career development process, working with school staff to equip students with the skills needed for success in high school, including goal setting, organization, and effective decision making. Middle school counselors collaborate with counselors at the high school to support students through the process of selecting high school courses and thinking about post-secondary possibilities. Your middle school counselor will meet with you and your student during the seventh grade year to develop an Academic and Career Plan that includes long-range goals for high school and beyond. This plan will be revisited annually and revised as necessary through the student’s senior year in high school..
How do middle school counselors support middle school students with developing coping strategies regarding their rapidly changing physiological and psychological needs?
Middle school counselors are sensitive to the developmental needs of young adolescents. Through classroom presentation, small group sessions, and individual counseling they help students understand their experiences and develop effective strategies for coping with them. School counselors at the middle school level also consult with school staff and with parents to offer suggestions for supporting youngsters during this period of rapid growth.
Are other resources available if a student's needs are particularly intense?
Yes. Middle school counselors regularly collaborate with the school nurse, the school psychologist, the school system’s social worker (who acts as a liaison to many school system resources), and with private therapists and other community-based resources. When necessary, middle school counselors act as case managers in referring students to alternative education and special education resources as well as community-based programs.
School counselors at the middle school level support students as they transition from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school. Middle school counselors also serve as a resource for parents and teachers and as a liaison with community agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions at the Middle School Level
What do middle school counselors do?
Your Middle School counselor is knowledgeable about the unique developmental needs of young adolescents and apply that knowledge to their work with students, staff and families. Middle school counselors provide proactive leadership and advocacy to help their students succeed academically, personally, and socially. They work with students in classrooms, in small groups, and individually to build key skills and to address specific concerns.
How do middle school counselors prepare fifth grade students and their parents for their transition to middle school?
Middle school counselors visit the elementary schools during the spring of the fifth grade year to talk with students and parents about middle school and to provide strategies for making a smooth transition. The counselor works with the middle school staff to orient youngsters to their new school setting and to help students build the academic, personal, and interpersonal skills necessary for success. The counselor is also available to work with small groups or individuals who may need additional support during the transition period.
How do middle school counselors prepare students and their parents for their transition to high school?
Middle school is a time when career exploration expands and students begin to connect their aspirations with their academic achievement. Counselors nurture the career development process, working with school staff to equip students with the skills needed for success in high school, including goal setting, organization, and effective decision making. Middle school counselors collaborate with counselors at the high school to support students through the process of selecting high school courses and thinking about post-secondary possibilities. Your middle school counselor will meet with you and your student during the seventh grade year to develop an Academic and Career Plan that includes long-range goals for high school and beyond. This plan will be revisited annually and revised as necessary through the student’s senior year in high school..
How do middle school counselors support middle school students with developing coping strategies regarding their rapidly changing physiological and psychological needs?
Middle school counselors are sensitive to the developmental needs of young adolescents. Through classroom presentation, small group sessions, and individual counseling they help students understand their experiences and develop effective strategies for coping with them. School counselors at the middle school level also consult with school staff and with parents to offer suggestions for supporting youngsters during this period of rapid growth.
Are other resources available if a student's needs are particularly intense?
Yes. Middle school counselors regularly collaborate with the school nurse, the school psychologist, the school system’s social worker (who acts as a liaison to many school system resources), and with private therapists and other community-based resources. When necessary, middle school counselors act as case managers in referring students to alternative education and special education resources as well as community-based programs.