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The Counseling Department
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The Counseling Department at Brentwood Middle School supports the academic and personal development of all students. Counselors also help to coordinate programs such as orientation for new students and a Career Fair. They aid 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 those years. Please feel free to contact them for any questions or concerns. Their contact information is available by selecting their picture.
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Vision Statement
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To develop responsible students by ensuring every student acquires the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed in their academic, career, and social development.
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Guidance Staff
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Jane Allison Crewse
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Nikki Harrison
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Venessa Jeris
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Kendall Ryan
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Brian Howard
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Caroline Todd
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Deanna Harry
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Kelly Stewart
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STARS Enhanced Student Assistance Program
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The STARS Enhanced School Assistance Program (ESAP) is an in-school mental health treatment program. Our model is person-centered and based on evidence-based therapeutic practices that are responsive to the particular needs of the students. Through ESAP, students in different grades are able to access confidential mental health services on-site in their own school environment, during school hours.
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STARS (Students Taking a Right Stand)
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The STARS (Students Taking a Right Stand) program provides prevention education and intervention services (individual, group, and crisis counseling) for students. Some of the areas addressed are bullying, substance abuse, violence, and social and emotional issues. The STARS counselor is available to students on a daily basis. Please feel free to reach out through email any needs you may have or questions regarding services that the STARS Counselor can provide.
Brentwood Middle STARS Leadership Team (SLT)
Who is the SLT?
The STARS Leadership Team is a group made up of students in grades 6th-8th who desire to make Brentwood Middle School a better place. STARS leaders are committed to the health, wellness, and safety of the students at the school. These students will serve as role models as they plan and implement STARS activities related to mental health and awareness throughout the school and community.
Requirements:
In keeping with the STARS mission statement, team members must be drug, alcohol and tobacco free.
- They must be a positive role model for their peers, and display respect and empathy for others.
- They must attain and maintain a passing grade in all subjects.
- They must attend meetings or notify STARS Counselor of non-attendance.
- They must have a desire to create a safe and supportive environment.
What activities is STARS and the SLT involved in?
STARS leaders will create awareness campaigns, wellness activities, and prevention initiatives each month to help promote the well-being of all students within the community. STARS leaders will collaborate on and participate in various charity projects and events. Some charity projects that students will participate in may range from Red Ribbon Week to Self Esteem Building to Anti-Bullying, while charity events may include food or clothing drives, toy collections, etc.
How do you join and when do we meet?
- Students are nominated by their teachers because they have demonstrated the characteristics of a leader.
- If a student is interested in joining and was not nominated by a teacher, they are more than welcome to come speak with me and share why they would like to be involved; everyone who feels passionately towards making the school a better place is welcome.
- We will meet every other week on Late Start Days from 7:35 AM - 8:25 AM. The official start date and classroom location will be sent out to those who complete the sign-up process.
- If you have a student who is interested or who you would like to nominate, please email me, BMS STARS Counselor Deanna Harry .
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Available Services from the Counseling Department
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The school counseling program at Brentwood 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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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.
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Secure the Ship Lessons
“Secure the Ship” lessons are the vehicle in which relationships are built, academics are supported, college and career exploration occur and the foundation of a positive school culture is created. Topics may include, but are not limited to: social media and digital citizenship, anxiety, bullying and respect, healthy relationships, careers, and study skills.
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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 Brentwood Middle School. During the school year, counselors periodically gather with new students to help with their transition to Brentwood Middle School and to address any questions or concerns they may have.
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Response to Intervention (RTI)
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 struggle, you should contact your child’s counselor to discuss your concerns and to see if an RTI (Response to Intervention) referral might be appropriate.
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504 Plan Eligibility
Counselors work with parents, students and school staff to provide 504 Plans for any student that meets eligibility requirements. Counselors communicate with teachers to ensure that the 504 Plan is being followed.
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School Psychological Services
Supporting the Whole Child
Every school in Williamson County has the services of a school psychologist.
School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education and are members of the school team. Their training emphasizes preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law and systems.
School psychologists must be certified and licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education. The National Association of School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery.
School Psychologists work with students to:
- Provide counseling, instruction and mentoring for those struggling with social, emotional and behavioral problems
- Increase achievement by assessing barriers and determining the best instructional strategies to improve learning
- Promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem-solving, anger management, self-regulation, self-determination and optimism
School Psychologists work with students and their families to:
- Identify and address learning and behavior problems that interfere with school success
- Evaluate eligibility for special education services within a multi-disciplinary team
- Support students’ social, emotional and behavioral health
School Psychologists work with teachers to:
- Identify and resolve academic barriers to learning
- Design and implement student progress monitoring systems
- Design and implement academic and behavioral interventions
- Support effective individualized instruction
- Create positive classroom environments
- Motivate all students to engage in learning
School Psychologists work with administrators to:
- Collect and analyze data related to school improvement, student outcomes and accountability requirements
- Implement school-wide prevention programs to help maintain positive school climates conducive to learning
- Promote school policies and practices ensuring the safety of all students by reducing school violence, bullying and harassment
- Respond to crises by providing leadership, direct services and coordination with needed community services