MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES

MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE OF COUNSELING SERVICES PROGRAM

Vision Statement

As we help our students in their journey to become independent learners and responsible citizens, we believe in a strong school/family relationship which

• challenges each child to reach his/her potential in an atmosphere of encouragement
• promotes and models respect for self and others

Mission Statement

To achieve the above, the counseling staff will work collaboratively within the school community to

• develop academic programs based on student need
• promote academic success and responsible behavior toward others
• monitor academic progress of students
• provide career development activities with a global perspective

The Fairfax County School Counseling Program provides comprehensive and sequential services to students in grades 7-12. The primary goal of the school counseling program is to promote the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of all students. Counselors help build a foundation for learning by assisting students to develop self-respect, awareness of others, and positive attitudes toward acquiring knowledge.

At LBSS, the middle school counselor is an integral part of the middle school team which is composed of 4 core teachers (English, math, social studies, and science) and a counselor. This educational team meets during a common planning time to discuss and develop ways to promote student academic progress. Each counselor at LBSS is usually assigned to one seventh and one eighth grade team. If a parent meeting with the team is requested by the team or by the parent, the counselor will arrange this meeting.

In addition, school counselors

•  monitor student progress throughout the year

•  facilitate each individual student's placement based on identified student strengths

•  sponsor programs to support student success

•  meet with parent groups to strengthen the home/school partnership

•  meet with individual students and parents regarding academic, personal, or social growth, helping students and their parents identify choices and possible consequences of these choices.

•  develop and facilitate student groups as determined by the team and based on the academic, personal, and social needs of middle school students

•  present career education lessons

•  provide conflict mediation services to students as needed

•  interpret test data to parents and, on a need-to-know basis, to staff

•  coordinate the middle school standardized testing program

Counselors can be contacted daily from 7:15 to 2:45. If not immediately available, counselors review their voice mail and e-mail throughout the day. If you need immediate attention, contact the Office of School Counseling main number, 703-426-1030.

For more information about school counseling services, log onto the following FCPS site: http://www.fcps.edu/ss/StudentServices/Guidance/Guidance.htm

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