The Role of the School Counselor
School counselors are professionally trained and New York State certified professionals whose role is to identify and address student needs through the use of a comprehensive school counseling program geared towards student success. Our main goal is to advocate for our students and ensure that they each have a successful middle school experience. We work with students individually, in small groups, and within the classroom setting to support and assist them with their academic, social/emotional, behavioral, and personal development. We also work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals in order to identify and minimize any barriers that stand in the way of student success. In addition, we serve as an important source of information, resources, and referrals.
Some of the areas in which school counselors offer support include:
- Fostering positive peer relationships
- Appropriate decision making skills
- Providing communication and conflict resolution skills
- Assisting with coping strategies and problem solving
- Encouraging self awareness and acceptance
- Teaching organizational and time management skills
- Reinforcing academic support skills
- Providing crisis intervention for students
- Acting as a liaison between school and home
Students and parents are encouraged to contact their school counselor for assistance and to discuss any concerns that they may have.
The Role of the School Psychologist
The psychologist’s role in the middle school involves support to school staff, parents and students regarding any academic, emotional, social or behavioral needs that may arise. The psychologist evaluates students who are referred to the CSE to assist in determining if special education services are necessary. The psychologist also provides counseling and crisis intervention services. They are an active participant in the development of functional behavior assessments & behavior plans. The school psychologist consults with teachers, administration, parents, and outside providers as an integral component on ensuring the student’s success.
- Assessment (use a variety of techniques to evaluate cognitive skills and learning aptitudes, personality and emotional development, eligibility for special services)
- Provide teachers and parents with strategies regarding academic and behavioral issues of students
- Referrals for outside counseling
The Role of the School Social Worker
he social worker in the middle school supports students’ academic and social success by working with the guidance and support staff, providing specialized services that include:
- Individual and group counseling
- Crisis intervention for students and families
- Substance abuse prevention & awareness activities
- Case management for students with multiple needs
- Intervention services for students with attendance & disciplinary issues
- Assistance for students in developing advocacy skills
- Referrals for community resources
- Liaison between school & community agencies
The social worker provides intensive services for students experiencing multiple risk factors to support educational success. Students and families receive assistance in obtaining resources within the school and community. The social worker is part of the comprehensive educational team of the school, working with other disciplines to provide the best educational experience for all students.
