School Counseling
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The Counseling Department at Page Middle School supports the academic and personal development of all students. Counselors also help to coordinate programs such as orientation for new students and Career Fair. They aide with the transition to high school, provide academic support, assist with school, county and state testing. Middle school is an exciting time of growth and change and the counseling department can help parents and students adjust to the transitions that take place during these years.
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Services Provided
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The school counseling program at Page Middle School is a comprehensive developmental program that supports the school’s mission to prepare students to be lifelong learners and responsible members of society.In our proactive approach to meeting state school counseling and career guidance standards, we implement a classroom guidance curriculum, coordinate testing, and lead school-wide character education and anti-bullying efforts. The counselors are available to consult with parents and teachers to find ways to enhance student success. We frequently make referrals to the school social worker to help parents get connected to resources in the community. We also provide the responsive services listed below.
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School Psychological Services
Our school psychologist provides a variety of services at our school. Our psychologist administers and interprets psychological and educational evaluations; develops school-based intervention programs; counsels students, parents, and teachers on educational and mental health issues; acts as a liaison between the school and community agencies; evaluates program effectiveness; provides crisis intervention; and participates in screening programs which identify students with special needs.
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STARS
“The STARS Student Assistance Program (SAP) is an award-winning, evidence-based program of STARS Nashville that addresses social and emotional barriers for youth, such as anxiety and depression, transitioning families, self-esteem, coping skills, alcohol and drug education, grief/loss, and decision making. SAP assists students in achieving academic and social success by promoting healthy development, reducing barriers to learning and building upon strengths.
STARS Counselors are on-site in schools throughout the academic school year to provide:
Counseling to small groups and individuals
Prevention education through assemblies and classroom guidance
Early intervention for students exhibiting problem behaviors
Promotion of health with student leaders
Links to additional appropriate services in the school and community, such as mental health treatment services
Attention to students who are at a special risk for:
-Substance Abuse-Teen pregnancy
-Violence and bullying
-Academic failure
-School suspension
Days and frequency of services vary. There are no fees associated with these services for students and families. Youth are referred to STARS by self, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, peers, guardians and others.
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504 Plan Eligibility
School guidance counselors work with parents to create 504 Plans for any student that qualifies. They provide information and eligibility requirements to those requesting it. When students have a 504 Plan, guidance counselors communicate with teachers to ensure that the plan is being followed.
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New Student Orientation
At the beginning of the school year, school counselors provide orientation opportunities for students and parents new to Page Middle School. During the school year, counselors periodically gather with new students to help with their transition to Page Middle School and to address any questions or concerns they may have.
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Referrals
School counselors can make referrals to both the school social worker and the school psychologist. The school psychologist provides a variety of services including but not limited to: administering and interpreting psychological and educational evaluations; participating in screening programs which identify students with special needs. The school social worker provides a variety of services including but not limited to: crisis intervention; acting as a liaison between school and community agencies. Contact your child’s assigned counselor if you would like additional information.
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Academic Support
If your child is having difficulty succeeding in the classroom, the first thing to do is contact his or her teachers. It may be helpful to set up a conference with them to discuss concerns and talk about ways to address the problem. If your child continues to experience difficulty, you should contact your child’s counselor to discuss your concerns. Additional student support services may be needed and can be provided to students meeting specific eligibility criteria.
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Classroom Guidance
Classroom Guidance provides a school-wide approach to proactively address issues that are relevant to students’ academic, social, and emotional concerns. Some of the topics include learning styles, study skills, decision-making skills, resistance to peer pressure, career exploration, and high school registration.
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Individual Counseling
Counselors meet with students for confidential individual counseling to address academic, personal, and career concerns. Parents and teachers may refer students, but many students come in on their own. By helping students to identify their own personal strengths, we work with students on learning how to make decisions, set goals, overcome obstacles, and cope with challenges.
