Students and parents are sometimes unclear about the roles and responsibilities of the Putnam Avenue Upper School Counseling Team. School Counselors are professional educators with a social, emotional, and behavioral perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. While the Guidance Counselor has a background in education, the School Adjustment Counselors have a background in mental and behavioral health. Below is an explanation of some of the services and supports we provide for students and families.
- Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world, and an emerging self-identity. The counseling team addresses these and other issues for all students through the development and implementation of a comprehensive social/emotional program called Advisory. In advisory, all students learn and practice goal-setting, team building, perspective-taking, social skills, and build a strong sense of community within the school.
- The counseling team provides individual and group counseling for students with a range of issues including: grief/loss, emotional regulation, organizational issues, academic struggles, social skills, and peer conflicts.
- The counselors track attendance trends and works with students and families to devise proactive solutions to issues of tardies and/or absenteeism.
- The counselors work with administration and grade level teams to analyze student data including MCAS, student work samples, and district assessments. Based on the student data, school counselors discuss ways to execute targeted interventions or strategies.
- School counselors consult with and refer students/families to community resources including; after school programs, mentorships, individual/group therapy, and educational resources.
- School counselors are members of PAFA (Putnam Avenue Family Association) and School Council.