Grade 7 & 8

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Department Philosophy

The Guidance and Counseling Department seeks to focus on the holistic growth of each student in four specific areas - personal development (spiritual, emotional, physical, and aesthetic), academic progress, college selection, and career choice - within an atmosphere of mutual trust, reinforcement, and caring. The department further seeks to improve the quality of parent-child relationships by helping to close the "generation gap" through an approach which emphasizes both the right of the parent to be himself or herself and the right of the child to be herself.

Department Goals

The counselors work directly with the students in individual conferences or small group sessions. These meetings attempt to foster positive self-image, spiritual and emotional growth, and self-motivation and to help students determine personal, academic, and career goals. The program assists the students in learning self-assessment and decision-making skills. To ensure that the needs of all students are met, all members of the professional staff assist the department in establishing the one-to-one relationship with students.

Department Staff

Mrs. Maureen T. O'Rourke, Director (12)
Ms Sarah Brandt, Counselor (9, 10,11)
Ms. Megan Reilly, Counselor (7, 8)

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PROGRAM DETAILS

 In keeping with the philosophy of the department, the approach on each grade level emphasizes personal development and academic progress. Particular focus is given to the spiritual, emotional, physical, aesthetic, and intellectual development of each student. Some common issues addressed on the various levels are the following:

GRADES 7, 8
     Academic Achievement
     Study Skills
     Making Transitions
     Goal Development
     Friendships
     Decision Making
     Problem Solving
     Stress Management
     Self-Esteem Development
     Course Selection
     College and Career Awareness

HOW THESE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED, GRADES 7 AND 8

On the seventh and eighth grade levels, students meet with their counselor individually and in small groups throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to discuss topics pertaining to their academic and personal development. They are also encouraged to focus on developing good organizational techniques and learning new strategies for effective study skills.

Throughout the year, the counselor monitors each student's academic progress. This is done through on-going communication with teachers and parents, participation in quarterly grade level meetings, review of progress reports, and review of bi-weekly updates provided to parents/guardians when requested. The counselor often makes recommendations for tutoring in specific subject areas and provides referrals to parents when needed or requested.

During the third quarter, the counselor meets with each student regarding course selection for the next year. In addition, the counselor meets with each eighth grade student and her parent/guardian to discuss the important transition into ninth grade. At this time, students are encouraged to begin exploring and identifying new areas of interest in relation to course selection and future planning.

Interaction with parents/guardians is a major component of the program on these levels. If the counselor and/or parent feel that a student would benefit from long-term counseling, the necessary referrals are made.