Holdrum Guidance Department
To schedule a parent conference:
Grades 7 and 8:
Call Mrs. Maureen
Monaghan at 201.358.4016 ext. 1003, or contact by e-mail at
mmonaghan@rivervaleschools.com
Grade 6:
Call Ms. Debbie Cooke at
201.358.4016 ext 1120, or contact by e-mail at
dcooke@rivervaleschools.com
As school counselors we:
| Talk to students on an individual basis, in groups, or in classes |
| Help identify students with special needs |
| Work with potential crisis situations |
| Aid teachers and parents |
| Promote a positive school climate |
| Assist in academic and social growth |
| Act as an advocate for students |
When do I talk to a school counselor?
If you…
| Feel confused, sad, or lonely |
| Have a problem with a friend, family member or teacher |
| Need help making a decision |
| Just need someone to talk to |
Confidentiality
When you talk to a school counselor, the discussion is confidential. The only time a school counselor will disclose confidential information is if you indicate that you are planning to harm yourself or someone else.
Programs
| Changing Families Group |
| Social Skills Group |
| Study Skills Group (6th grade only) |
| Peer Helpers (8th grade only) |
| Peer Mediators (with Ms. Smid) |
| Junior Lead (with Mrs. Diaz) |
***We sponsor and run a variety of groups throughout the year. Not all groups run concurrently. See this website or the Principal’s Newsletter for more information on upcoming groups this year.
***Student needs are always changing. If you have an idea for a group theme, please call us and let us know.
Middle School
Students’ Developmental Needs
Middle school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents
and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school
students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests,
connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life
and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid
growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more
frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme
sensitivity to the comments from others; and heavy reliance on friends to
provide comfort, understanding and approval.
Meeting the
Challenge
Middle school
counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who
understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student
population. Middle school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are
integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership
that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help
students achieve success in school. Professional school counselors align with
the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they
prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is
accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a
comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program.
(ACSA, 2003)
Helpful Links for Parents