Why is it critical for your child to know who their counselor is?

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. AMS counselors work as team members with the school principal and prevention coordinator, school staff, parents, and community members to create a caring, supportive, and safe climate. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. 

Our students live in an exciting time, within an increasingly diverse society, where new technologies and expanding opportunities abound. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of creators, leaders, thinkers, and good citizens, every AMS student must receive the support and guidance necessary to continue to thrive.

Developmental Changes

Middle school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents and families. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests, find ways to connect classroom learning to its practical application in life, while exhibiting high levels of activity and corresponding fatigue due to rapid growth.  Students at this age begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation, become increasingly sensitive to the comments of others, and have heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding, and approval as they search for their own unique identity.

Meeting the Challenge

How we help:

School Guidance

Academic skills support

Organizational and Study Skills

Test-taking skills

Education in understanding self and others

Coping strategies

Peer relationships and effective social skills

Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

Career awareness, exploration, and planning

Substance abuse education

Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

Goal-setting/decision- making

Academic planning

College Search Assistance and Planning

Career planning

Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

Transition planning (to AMS from elementary and to AHS from here)

Responsive Services

Individual and small group counseling

Individual/family/school crisis intervention

Peer facilitation

Consultation/collaboration

Referrals

Emergency Counseling (harm to self and others); 

Threat Assessment

System Support

Professional development

Consultation, collaboration and teaming

Program management and operation 

Parent Support and Collaboration

Family Support Team (FST) Meetings

Parent information nights

Communication/networking

Academic planning programs

Coordinate and follow up on 504 plans

Parent and family education

One-on-one parent conferencing

Assessment results interpretation

Resource referrals

College search and planning

Career exploration

ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) Meetings