CMS Guidance Department TeacherWeb Update About Middle School Guidance

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Middle School Counseling Department Philosophy  
Middle School Counseling Middle School years can be positive ones of self-discovery for the children.  Together, professional middle school counselors, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members can help students focus on the journey of transition through a collaborative effort using a comprehensive developmental counseling program, patience, understanding, and above all, caring. 
Internal changes can be characterized by: being very active, yet easily fatigued due to rapid physical growth;  searching for their own unique identity, turning more towards their peers rather than their parents for ideas and affirmation;  extremely sensitive to comments from others; and  relying heavily on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval. 
Internal changes, coupled with the challenges of the outside world, reinforce the goal of middle school counselors; to teach students skills to help them through this difficult stage of life and to use these skills on a daily basis. 
General Services Counselors at both Community Middle School and Grover Middle School are committed to providing the opportunity for services to all students.  Below you will find specific services that are available to any student in either of our middle schools. Crisis Intervention Counselors are available for short term counseling as well as referral services. Communication Students  Our number one priority is working directly with our students, your children.  We accomplish this in several ways: individually, in Small Groups, and in large groups (see specific grade level below for specific topics). Parents  We encourage communication between home and school. Please feel free contact your child’s counselor via email or phone. We are also available for conferences and periodically host parent programs Teachers  We communicate with teachers during guidance team meetings, grade level meetings, and with individual teachers as needed. Monitor Student Progress  As a middle school counseling department, we value the whole child; therefore, we monitor academic, behavioral, social/emotional, and/or career progress.  In addition to avenues mentioned above, we are part of the school’s Intervention and Referral Services.  We accomplish this through several committees: Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS). New Jersey Administrative Code requires each school to have an intervention and/or referral program for at risk general education students who are experiencing personal, interpersonal or academic difficulties.  I&RS is a multidisciplinary team that meets weekly to discuss any students that are experiencing difficulties. CORE.  CORE is a multidisciplinary team that meets, as needed, to discuss students who are struggling with issues related to substance use and/or abuse. Section 504 Please see our district web site for <A href="http://www.west-windsor-plainsboro.k12.nj.us/section_504.html">complete information including forms that can be downloaded.</A><A href="http://www.west-windsor-plainsboro.k12.nj.us/section_504.html"> </A> Grade Level Services (Developmental Guidance Program) In addition to the general services mentioned above, the middle school counselors recognize the unique needs that present at each level.  Below you will find the areas of emphasis for each year of middle school. Grade 6: Getting To Know Others
<UL>
<LI>
Introduction to Guidance and Middle School 
<LI>
Peer Interactions 
<LI>
Communication 
<LI>
Career </LI></UL>
Grade 7: Getting To Know Yourself
<UL>
<LI>
Self-assessment/personality type 
<LI>
Stress reduction 
<LI>
Self-advocacy 
<LI>
Career </LI></UL>
Grade 8: Getting Ready for the Future
<UL>
<LI>
Goal Setting 
<LI>
Career 
<LI>
Transition to High School </LI></UL>
SAC Services  Each middle school shares a Student Assistance Coordinator with its corresponding high school (GMS-High School South; CMS-High School North).  
Scheduling/New Student Registration  New students are continuously joining our schools.  Although the majority of new students register during the summer, some will register throughout the school year.  The new student and parents will meet with his or her counselor for an intake and tour.  Students are invited to join new student groups to facilitate a smooth transition into our school system once they officially start.
For more information regarding any of the above services, please contact your child’s counselor.

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