The Mission of the school counseling program in Carmel Unified School District Community is to ensure that all students acquire (develop) the academic, career and personal/social knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to become lifelong learners who are prepared for the challenges of continuing education, the workplace and their role as self-actualizing citizens in an ever-changing global community.

Carmel Middle School Counselors help our children find success in school by:

• Helping develop positive attitudes among students towards self, family, and community.
• Counseling with students individually and in groups to understand and appreciate their unique qualities and to grow personally and socially.
• Supporting students in developing an individual plan for academic success.
• Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as making healthy decisions, resolving conflicts, and respecting others.
• Assisting students to become invested in their school success by showing them how school performance relates to career opportunities.
• Working collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to identify and remove barriers that may impede student achievement.

Carmel Middle School Counselors help our children prepare for the future by:

• Assisting students to develop personal awareness and explore career goals.
• Counseling students regarding career planning and preparation.
• Helping develop communication and interpersonal skills needed to relate well to others.
• Providing a comprehensive and developmental guidance and counseling program that impacts all students K-12. Our program is based on the National Counseling Standards with focus on Academic, Social/Personal, and Career Development.

Academic Development

Orientations:

a. 5^th grade to 6^th grade – In the spring we are part of the team that meets with 5^th grade parents and students to acquaint them with Carmel Middle School curriculum, routines and expectations. We facilitate students in preparing for this big step.

b. 8th grade to 9th grade at Carmel High School – We assist the CHS Counselors in registering our students for classes in the fall. We also accompany the 8^th grade students on a tour of the high school which acquaints them with programs, athletic teams, clubs, activities, eligibility requirements and a typical freshman class schedule.

c. New Student Orientation – New students registering at CMS for the first time meet with us in August. They receive a personal orientation about our school, home to school communication and expectations.

• All 6^th graders experience a fifth period rotation which includes: Eco-literacy, Study Hall, Technology, and Middle School Success classes.
• We review mid-trimester and trimester grades to determine appropriate interventions if necessary.
• Counseling groups emphasize organization, study skills development and other needs determined by school.
• Adopt a Kid Program – At risk students are adopted by a faculty/staff member to offer academic support and encouragement.

Interventions:

Student Study Team – A process initiated by Student’s counselor whereby all of the student’s teachers are assembled to problem solve strategies to improve student success.

Summer School Referrals – Counselors make recommendations to the summer school principal regarding students that would benefit from additional coursework during the summer.

Support Classes – These classes are offered within our school day to support student who are struggling in an academic area. Placement is based on counselor/teacher recommendation.

Study Hall – Offered during 5^th period for all students however, certain students will be enrolled by counselor due to academic need. This class allows students to complete 50 minutes of homework daily.

One on One Academic Counseling – Identified students who are performing below “C” level are counseled every Thursday on their academic performance.

Home-School Communication:

• Newsletter Articles
• Voice Mail System/Email
• Teacher Web Page Access
• Aeries Online Grade book
• CMS Website

• The State of California standardized testing usually occurs one week every year. It is important that all students are in attendance the entire week and come to school well rested and well fed. All doctors and dentist appointments should be avoided during that week.
• The State 7^th grade Writing test and school wide Writing test are both administered in the spring.

California Junior Scholarship Federation

This is a nationally recognized organization designed for students who qualify with exceptional grades and behavior. We accept applications twice a year based on previous quarters grades. Time and date of such applications is announced in the student bulletin. Access to the student bulletin can also be accomplished through our web site, at http://www.carmelmiddle.org/

Personal/Social Development

BAC (Building a Connection):

8^th grade mentors are selected and trained to support our new incoming 6^th graders with a variety of activities. This program is designed to make ALL 6^th graders feel safe, confident and a part of our CMS community.

Individual Counseling:

High priority students receive one-to-one counseling. Limited services are prioritized by crisis intervention and teacher/parent request.

Conflict Resolution:

Assistance is given to students who are dealing with a wide variety of conflicts. Students are guided on how to resolve conflicts on their own.

Character Education Program:

This began at Carmel Middle School four years ago, and now is adopted district wide K-12, stressing the 6 pillars of character (Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, and Fairness) across the curriculum.

Group Counseling Sessions:

Provides students with the opportunities to:

Candidates are screened and selected based on a common need. Groups are centered on a common issue and require parent permission.

IMPACT:

This is a community coalition formed for youth to reduce substance abuse among young people on the Monterey Peninsula.

Career Development

8^th Grade Career Exploration:

Students understand the relationship among personal qualities, education and training, and the world of work. We accomplish this by going into the 8^th grade classes each year and instruct the students on their own individual career exploration. We are able to provide a 28-page pamphlet for each student, with the help of our P.T.A.

Career Day:

This involves the entire school, highlighting the different types of careers. All careers presented involve such skills asleadership qualities or being in charge, working with tools or being outside, challenges your mind and likes to problem solve, people skills or like to explain things, strong organization skills, like being part of a team, creative thinkers, or those with great imaginations.

College Day:

The entire school learns about A-G requirements and learns the difference between private, CSU and UC systems. Teachers share their own college experience and discuss the schools they attended. This day is followed by a college bowl activity at the end of the week.