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Welcome to the Counseling Department. Walkersville Middle School. What is the purpose of today’s visit? . Learn about the counseling department at WMS. Learn about the students at WMS. Discuss bullying, harassment and the consequences.
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Welcome to the Counseling Department Walkersville Middle School
What is the purpose of today’s visit? • Learn about the counseling department at WMS. • Learn about the students at WMS. • Discuss bullying, harassment and the consequences. • Discuss the procedure for scheduling a formal appointment. • Learn some tips for having a successful year at WMS.
School Counselors • Grade 8 Mrs. Twilley • Grade 7 Mrs. Rohrer • Grade 6 Mrs. Manry
Secretary Registrar Ms. Stitley
What does a school counselor do??? • Helps students select courses and plan school schedule • Explores and identifies career options with students - Naviance • Works with students individually and in small groups • Plans and participates in classroom lessons • Facilitates mediations between peers
Helps students to solve problems at home and at school • Helps students to make good decisions • Recognizes Lions of the Week • Communicates regularly with teachers and parents • Monitors grades and attendance • Helps all students to be successful in middle school
Naviance/Family Connection • College and career planning tool that will start in middle school and continue through high school • Career exploration • Academic planning • Goal setting • Learning style inventory • Post secondary planning
Where can you see your school counselor? • Counseling office • Classroom • Cafeteria/recess • Hallways • Before and after school
How do I schedule an appointment with the counselor? • Self –referral (appointment request) • Parent referral • Referral from a friend • Referral from teacher or administrator • Request from counselor The information shared is confidential except when someone’s safety is at risk.
Where is the counseling office? • Near the front of the building across from the main office. You must have a pass from a teacher before coming to the counseling office.
Who makes up the WMS family? • About 80 staff members – administrators, counselors, teachers, support staff • 833 students – grade 6 (293), grade 7 (283), grade 8 (257) • African American, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander and Hispanic – about 30% of total school population
What is diversity? • The inclusion of people of different races and cultures in an organization • Differences, what makes each of us unique • Accept, respect and learn from each other • Follow the Golden Rule Respect & Celebrate Differences
What is bullying? • An intentional and hurtful act • Any behavior that hurts, threatens, scares or creates fear in someone • Verbal, written, emotional, physical or electronic • Can interfere with learning, cause grades to suffer, lead to absenteeism, damage self-esteem, cause social & emotional problems
What can you do? • Report the bullying incident to an adult • Complete a green Bullying Reporting Form • Speak up when someone is being bullied, offer support to the victim • Include students who are left out • Show respect to all classmates, no matter how different their interests, skin color, religion, culture, gender, income, physical appearance or abilities. WMS is a bully free zone.
LIVING LIFE ONLINE • Protect yourself. Use privacy settings. Limit your online friends. • Protect your information. Keep your passwords private. Don’t give out personal information. • Online actions can have real world consequences. Think before you post and share.
Rachel’s Challenge • Rachel’s Challenge is all about emPOWERing students and spreading KINDNESS so school is a great place to be. • Challenges will be announced and posted on the cafeteria bulletin board. • Participation by ALL students is encouraged!
Service Learning Hours • Service Learning is approved Community Service. Get a form from Guidance! • Students who participate in Service Learning are recognized at the Awards Ceremony at the end of the year and can earn a Meritorious Service Learning Award at the end of 8th Grade. • Service Learning hours are transferred to the high school.
What are some tips for having a successful year at WMS? • Attend school EVERY DAY and BE ON TIME. • Follow all school rules. • Be organized. • Turn in assignments on time. • Participate in class. • Set aside at least 1 hour daily for homework. • Be respectful to everyone. • Ask for help when you need it. Have a positive attitude!
Homework – agenda entry • Share letter and other information with your parents. Have a great year. Let me know how I can help. At WMS we R.O.A.R. to success