1. The School Counselor Carl Sandburg Middle School Panthers Ms. Melinda Caldwell: 7 th Grade A-Bu and all AVID Ms. Heather McCarthy: 7 th Grade Buckb-Mah Mr. Paul Smith: 7 th Grade Maj-Zu Ms. Dale Oldham (Lead Counselor): 8 th Grade A-Hr Ms. Penelope White: 8 th Grade Hub-Zu Director: Ms. Jill Tucker

2. We are School Counselors WHO: … work as a collaborative, cohesive team We are out and about in the building doing various things! Great times for students to come: before/after school, during lunch, etc. … conduct academic advisement and change schedules according to protocol Please note that we ARE NO LONGER changing schedules. The deadline for elective changes is June. There are lots of reasons for this! If students are having an issue with a class or a teacher, we provide counsel and problem-solving strategies… but we do not change classes. … constantly communicate and consult with ALL stakeholders for prevention/intervention Teachers, administrators, mental health professionals, medical doctors, etc. etc. etc.

3. You might find it interesting... School counselors have standards, just like teachers! Personal/social Academic Career/college Sandburg’s program achieved RAMP certification  Services we provide are: Proactive Data-driven and results-based Developmentally appropriate and comprehensive Equitable (access ALL students, not just ‘at-risk’)

4. School Counselors: Lead various programs and activities: Caldwell  AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), DIVAS (Determined and Inspired to Value Absolute Success – girls’ leadership ), EIP (Early Identification Program – GMU), Counselor’s Corner newsletter, Youth Survey, etc. McCarthy  ABC (Anti-Bullying Committee), MentorWorks, Career Events/Exploration activities, Credit Exam for World Languages, etc. Oldham (Lead Counselor)  Student Ambassadors, IC (Instructional Council) rep, SIP (School Improvement Plan) rep, Faculty Advisory rep, School Probation Officer, etc. Smith  Peer Mediation Coordinator, 504 Liaison, SIP rep, End of Year Ceremony, etc. White  Thomas Jefferson HS Liaison, PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) Rep, Advanced Academics (AA) liaison, etc. All counselors  Student recognition ceremonies (Honor Roll, Student of the Quarter, etc.), Door 4 and lunch supervision, parent conferences as needed, etc.

5. School Counselors also: Work with students by doing… (among other things) : Individual Counseling (1 on 1!) Academic, Personal/Social, Career Please contact us! Students can leave a note Group Counseling (4-8 students, 6-8 weeks long) For example… coping with anxiety, grief/loss, changing families, social/communication skills, anger management, conflict resolution, etc. Classroom Guidance lessons Once a month through subject areas For example… Sexual harassment/bullying, learning styles and study strategies, friendship relationships, cheating/plagiarism, stress management, etc.

6. The bottom line… School counselors do what is needed to: Advocate for students, support students and families Support teachers and the school Meet students where they are, meet the needs of ALL students (equitable access to services!) Provide resources Work collaboratively so that EVERYONE has the BEST possible experience here at Sandburg … the goal is STUDENT SUCCESS.