Guidance programming will be developed each year with student and staff input. All student's and staff will complete an assessment survey to help better structure guidance efforts. Information collected from assessment will determine if issues are better addressed in large classroom format or with small group meetings. Below is an example of guidance lessons that will be offered during the year. Due to time limitations, every lesson may not be offered each year. Each grade level will receive 3 lessons per year as a part of the BMS general curriculum.
Guidance Lessons:
Example of guidance lessons for upcoming year
6th Grade
Guidance Counselor Introduction- Aug/Sept
Stress Management
Dealing with peer pressure
Introduction to personality and careers
Cyber Bullying- What can I do to stop the bullying circle
Team Building
7th Grade
Guidance Counselor Introduction- Aug/Sept
Diversity
Career Development 2
Bullying Bystander
School work vs. Real Work
Building and Managing Healthy relationships
8th Grade
Guidance Counselor Introduction- Aug/Sept
Career Exploration with O.C.I.S
Career Shadowing- Informational to session to site selection
Conflict Resolution
Coping: Dealing with stress effectively
Adjusting to high school
Small Group Counseling
In order to educate a variety of students, I will conduct small group counseling by grade level. Groups will be scheduled throughout the school year based on the interest survey.
Please note that due to time and scheduling, it will not be possible for me to run every type of group for every grade level. Groups will be formed based on the level of need indicated. Groups will meet once a week during lunch or advisory for approximately 4-6 weeks.
Members will have group discussions and participate in activities. If you think your child should be included in a group, but did not return an interest slip, please feel free to call me to discuss any concerns.
Groups are facilitated by Mr. Winston or Mrs. Currington. Some groups may be co-facilited with other staff members at BMS.
Group Examples:
Study Skills/ Goal Setting/ Time Management
Dealing with divorce and/or blended families
Self esteem and positive self image
Friendship/ Social Skills
Understanding parental expectations vs. personal aspirations
Assertiveness vs. Aggression and using "I" statements
Money Management skills
Personality "What makes me special"