UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR

When you were in middle school, you may have never met a guidance counselor. A generation ago, counselors often worked only in high schools. Their job was to help students choose courses and plan for after graduation.

Guidance counselors still do those things in high schools. But now they do much, much more. And they have also become a key part of the educational team in middle schools.

Your child’s counselor strives to help all students be productive learners. Middle school guidance counselors can offer your child help with:

Academics and study skills, including organization.
Solving problems with friends. This can include mediation.
Making decisions.
Coping skills. This includes skills for coping with bullies.
Setting Goals.
Making plans for high school and beyond.
Counseling sessions either for just your child or in a small group. This can include grief counseling.
Organizing support if your child or your family is facing crisis.
Making referrals to other professionals.

Ottawa Middle School