Guidance Services "Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievements." The Guidance Office at Monsignor Haddad Middle School provides a variety of services to students – counseling, personal development education, academic monitoring and support, high school placement support, and referrals to professionals and community resources. For more information, contact Mr. Daniel Price, Director of Guidance (781) 449-0133 x115, dprice@saintjoes.com Counseling The middle school years are very important to a child’s personal development. Consequently, a main focus of the Guidance Office is to support the social, emotional and academic growth of students. Personal counseling centers on specific issues of concern. Parents, teachers and students may initiate referrals. The Director of Guidance will consult with parents if there is to be regular contact. Counseling issues include: Peer acceptance/conflict Self image/self esteem Academic achievement/goal setting/ learning issues/study skills Family issues (separation, divorce, new sibling, remarriage, adoption, moving, job loss, illness) Bereavement/loss Anxiety/phobias/ self destructive behavior/ substance abuse Group counseling brings small groups of students together to strengthen social connections or to assist students in dealing with problems. Lunch groups – informal social interactions to expand and strengthen peer relations Conflict resolution – helping students solve problems through small group interaction Problem solving – helping students work collaboratively to come up with solutions to a shared problem Personal Development Education Part of the Director of Guidance role involves educating groups of students about developmental issues and life skills in the classroom setting or in conjunction with the health curriculum. Topics include: Middle school transition issues/moving on to high school Physical, emotional and intellectual changes of early adolescence Coping strategies/stress management/problem solving techniques Interpersonal relationship skills/communication Academic Monitoring and Support The Director of Guidance monitors academic progress through regular consultation with teachers, as well as a review of progress reports, report cards and standardized testing. Students who are struggling academically meet with the Director of Guidance to review study habits, organizational skills and learning styles. Together they set goals and devise a plan to obtain necessary help from teachers or tutors. The Director of Guidance also manages lines of communication between parents, teachers and students. Standardized testing is administered in October. All students take the McGraw Hill/Terra Nova comprehensive battery of tests which assess aptitude and individual student achievement in all subject areas. Teachers study the results and adjust their academic program to better meet student needs – individually and as a class. Standardized test results are provided to parents in January along with information to help interpret the results. Parents who are concerned with their child’s progress can consult with the Director of Guidance. High School Placement Support Monsignor Haddad Middle School is committed to helping our students get into the schools of their choice. Our placement record into the top Catholic and Independent High Schools in the area is superb. We host a High School Information Night in September with admission representatives from many of the top schools in the area. In early October the Director of Guidance meets with all eighth grade classes to explain the various procedures for application to independent and Catholic high schools. The Guidance Office coordinates all transcript requests and teacher recommendations for students. In January, course selection and registration begins for many schools. Parents can meet with the Director of Guidance about particular requirements for schools. The Director of Guidance is available to meet individually with students to discuss their school selection and to answer any questions about applications or course selection. Referrals & Resources The Guidance Office assists families with referrals to services in the community such as therapists, educational testing, academic support or enrichment. The Director of Guidance is also available to consult with parents individually about their concerns and hosts regularly scheduled Parent Forums where parents get together to discuss parenting concerns in an informal and supportive atmosphere. These forums are posted in the school calendar. Topics for recent forums include transitions, helping children deal with loss, new research on the adolescent brain and the effect of the media.