Counseling Services
A middle school counselor plays a vital role in supporting students through a pivotal stage in their development. They provide academic guidance, helping students set goals, plan their coursework, and address any academic challenges. Counselors also focus on personal and social development, offering support for managing emotions, building relationships, and navigating social pressures. They play a key role in crisis intervention, providing immediate support and connecting students to necessary resources. Additionally, middle school counselors collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a supportive environment and implement preventive programs. By addressing academic, emotional, and social needs, they help students thrive and succeed in both their personal and academic lives.
While counselors and psychologists share some responsibilities in middle schools, their roles differ significantly. The American School Counselor Association provides a comprehensive description of the duties and functions of school counselors, focusing on academic, social, and emotional support. In contrast, the National Association of School Psychologists outlines the role of school psychologists, which includes conducting psychological assessments, providing specialized interventions, and addressing more complex mental health issues. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how each professional contributes to student well-being and success.
Individual Counseling
To make an appointment with a counselor or psychologist, please visit the Middle School Counseling Homepage or contact the counseling office secretary, Beth Maldonado, at beth.maldonado@palmaccsd.org. Pal-Mac school counselors meet with all middle school students at least once per year for an annual review meeting. During this meeting, topics discussed include:
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Academic Review
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Social and Emotional Check-In
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Goal Setting
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Resource Connection
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Encouragement and Support
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT:
Individual counseling is, by nature, a personal and private interaction between the counselors and students. Counselors work to establish trust and rapport, and must respect the student's privacy so that they are free to explore issues, feelings and behaviors. Counselors are, however, obligated by law and ethics to report behaviors that indicate a student's welfare may be in jeopardy. Counselors are forthcoming about these limitations in each session.
INFORMED CONSENT:
When school counselors work with students in the Palmyra-Macedon School District, their work in governed by the following:
1. Counselors follow the ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), as well as the policies of the Palmyra-Macedon School District.
2. Counselors act in the best interest of the client/student according to what is considered reasonable intervention/service according to the guidelines recommended by the ASCA.
3. Consultation with colleagues may occur, while maintaining the confidentiality identity of the client/student, in order to determine the appropriate options for interventions/helpful strategies.
4. Referrals for additional mental health counseling for other types of support or services may be recommended or made available upon request.
5. Counseling interventions will remain confidential unless the client/student is considered to be at-risk for personal injury, or for committing injury to self or others. In those instances, appropriate individuals/agencies will be notified.
Group Counseling
Middle school counseling groups provide a safe and supportive space for students to share their feelings, experiences, and challenges. These groups help students develop important social and emotional skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. By participating in counseling groups, students can build stronger connections with their peers, learn to manage stress, and gain confidence in handling various situations. The ultimate goal is to ensure students have the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Counseling groups are offered throughout the year for select students. Offering counseling groups to middle schoolers throughout the year is essential for providing ongoing support during this transformative period. Regular sessions help students navigate academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal challenges by building important life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. They also allow counselors to identify and address issues early, preventing minor problems from becoming significant concerns. Counseling groups create opportunities for peer interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, consistent participation helps students build resilience and effective coping strategies, while frequent feedback allows counselors to adapt their approaches to meet students' evolving needs. Overall, regular counseling groups offer a valuable framework that supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development throughout the school year.
Counseling groups are scheduled to meet weekly for approximately 30 minutes at various times, ensuring that students have the opportunity to attend without missing the same class repeatedly. Previously offered counseling groups have included:
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Friendship and Social skills
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Stress and Anxiety Management
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Self-Esteem and Confidence
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Conflict Resolution
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Emotional Regulation
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Healthy Relationships
If you would like your child to join a group during middle school or if you have any questions, we invite you to reach out to the counseling office for more information.
Classroom Counseling
As your child begins their journey at PMMS, we want to ensure you’re informed about the support available to them. Our counseling team presents classroom lessons throughout the year on a variety of topics, including respecting differences, problem-solving, and mental health. At the start of the school year, we will introduce ourselves to the incoming 6th graders with a special presentation on middle school counseling services. This presentation is designed to help students understand who we are, what services we offer, and where to find us in the building.
Our counselors are dedicated to supporting students' academic and personal development, addressing any concerns they may have, and providing a safe space for them to talk. By familiarizing students with our services early on, we aim to build a foundation of trust and ensure they know how to seek help when needed.
We believe that open communication and early introduction to our counseling resources are key to a successful middle school experience.
Links to Resources:
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms