2. Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) Houston Middle Mrs. Christian Mrs. Thompson 2014-2015 Meet the Counselors

4. “Our school counseling department consists of a team of dedicated professionals committed to developing a school climate that is respectful, positive, accepting, and safe for students of all backgrounds. We foster student growth in academic, social/personal, and career development. We work closely with the community to ensure the healthy development of all students. We embrace the diversity of each individual and family. We partner with the community, parents, guardians, administration, faculty, and staff to ensure that our students are given the best opportunity to thrive and become successful citizens. We pride ourselves in having a unique school that is more like a family than an institution.” “Houston Middle School” is a second home to our students.

5. Six Characteristics of an Effective CSCP Holistic: focus on all aspects of the student’s development Systemic: work with all stakeholders to ensure the healthy development of all students Balanced: balance duties of counseling, educating, consultation and collaboration, leadership, and coordination and advocacy Proactive: develop preventative programs to ensure a positive, nurturing and safe school environment Infused into the academic curriculum: the guidance curriculum will be infused in all aspects of the school including academic lessons Reflective: evaluating and reassessing the current program by looking at data and trends. Making changes as needed.

6. What does it take to make a safe, effective, great school?

7. Our community is the foundation for building healthy students.

8. Who can help build an effective CSCP? Community / Stakeholders Students Parents Teachers Administrators Counselors Staff Business Partners Community Agencies

9. Counselors Collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the academic, social/personal, and career development of all students Develop programs to promote a positive, safe and respectful school culture. (Bully Free School, Above the Line, Mix it Up Day) Communicate ongoing CSCP progress via a Counseling Blog Use data to address the needs of the students Deliver classroom guidance Host Small groups Individual counseling Host parent workshops, roundtables, and small groups Host teacher in-services, roundtables, and workshops Serve on the advisory council Attend parent teacher conferences, IEP meetings, and PTSA meetings

10. Students Serve as peer mentors Peer tutoring Attend small groups when needed Attend informal roundtable discussions with the counselor Advocate for struggling students Serve on the advisory council

11. Teachers Work as a team with the counselors Integrate academic lessons with guidance curriculum Act as mentor to students Communicate student needs with counselor Refer at-risk students to the counselor Maximize parental involvement Serve on the advisory council

12. Parents Collaborate with teachers Volunteer as Tutors Volunteer for school activities Serve on the advisory council Attend PTSA meetings and other school events Model good citizenship to students Check agenda pads daily and monitor student achievement Use positive reinforcement

13. Administrators Act as role models for a positive, respectful school climate. Work with business partners to promote active participation from our community Partner with the counselors in developing a high morale amongst staff Partner with the counselors in implementing programs that foster a culture of respect and embraces diversity. Serve on the Advisory Council

14. Community Attend School Career fairs Host field trips or factory tours of their businesses Offer free or reduced products to the school Offer fundraising for the school Offer internships Serve on the Advisory Council

15. Academic Academic Social/Personal Social/Personal Career Career All three areas must be addressed in order for students to thrive. Each domain is strengthened by the other domains.

16. We must focus on all domains of student development in order to achieve results. Maslow’s Heirarchy shows us that basic needs must be met in order for students to learn.

17. Our CSCP will follow the National Model

18. Watch for the following 3 things when talking to your students. Report these to the counselor. (Limitations to Confidentiality) Someone is hurting the student The student wants to hurt someone The student wants to hurt themself