All students in grades 5-8 will be assigned a school counselor.  The counselor will meet with each student a minimum of one time during the school year to review schoolwork, peer relationships and the general well-being of the student.  The school counselor is also available to assist students and families with any academic, personal, social or emotional issue that may arise.  The counselors have an array of programs, services and referral information available for students and families.

School counselors at the Liberty Middle School work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers and other professionals in order to guarantee a successful middle school experience for our students and ensure success in academic, social/emotional, behavioral and personal development.

School counselors meet weekly to discuss students in need of extra support as well as review academic, attendance and discipline data. The district uses and MTSS model to consider multiple data points to determine whether a child’s social, emotional or behavior needs are interfering with their academic success.

School counselors are New York State certified professionals whose role is to identify and address student needs through the use of a comprehensive school counseling program geared towards student success. In addition, school counselors serve as an important source of information, resources and referrals. Students and parents are encouraged to contact their school counselor for assistance and to discuss any concerns that they may have.

School counselors provide support in many areas, including:

• Fostering positive peer relationships
• Encouraging appropriate decision making skills
• Providing communication and conflict resolution skills
• Assisting with coping strategies and problem solving
• Encouraging self awareness and acceptance
• Teaching organizational and time management skills
• Reinforcing academic support skills
• Providing crisis intervention for students
• Acting as a liaison between school and home
• Development of knowledge, attitude and skills necessary for career and college readiness.

You can learn more about the role of the middle school counselor here.

Counseling Services

Group Counseling

Group counseling provides a unique learning opportunity for students that can help them develop strategies and coping skills to better handle problems they may encounter at school or at home. The groups are facilitated by counselors and allow students the opportunity to discuss issues affecting them with their peers in a safe environment. Groups are based on students’ interests and concerns and include:

• Family changes (separation, divorce, remarriage)
• Social skills and friendship
• Academic success skills
• Choices and decision-making

Individual Counseling

Meeting individually with a school counselor is an option for every student. Counselors can offer insight and assistance to students in areas related to academic concerns, friends, school and family. Counselors send out passes to meet with all students periodically throughout the year. However, if a problem arises, don’t wait for a pass! Come to the guidance office and make an appointment to speak with your counselor.

Peer Mediation

Peer mediation is a great way for students to resolve their conflict with fellow peers. The peer mediators are students who have applied to become a mediator and have taken the peer mediation training. Peer mediators work in pairs to help fellow students resolve their conflict peacefully. During peer mediation, a school  counselor is always present. Everything said in mediation is kept confidential. To arrange a mediation, please visit the guidance office for a mediation request form.

Naviance

Naviance is a college and career readiness platform that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals. Its comprehensive college and career planning solutions optimize student success, enhance school counselor productivity, and track results for school and district administrators.  Login to Naviance here.

Schedule an appointment

The counseling staff welcomes conferences with students, parents and teachers.  For the most efficient and effective service we ask that you make an appointment in advance to see your child’s assigned counselor.  Please call 845-292-5400, ext. 2311, or stop by the guidance office to schedule an appointment.