Guidance - Counseling Department

Friday, November 20, 2009

Sutherland Middle School

2801 Powell Creek Drive

Charlottesville, VA 22911-7402

Phone: 434-975-0599

Fax: 434-975-0852

SMS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT:

Mrs. Caroline East: Students with the last names of A - K

Mr. Cabell Guy: Students with the last names of L - Z

Mrs. Teresa Lundh: School Psychologist

Mrs. Laura Saulle: Attendance and Guidance Secretary

HOW DO I SEE MY COUNSELOR?

Counselor Request: The counselor may wish to schedule a meeting with a student to address a specific academic, personal or social concern.

Teacher/Staff Referral: A student may be sent to the Counseling Office with a note, or be accompanied to the Counseling Office at any time that immediate attention is required.

Parent Referral: A parent or guardian may request that the counselor meet with his or her child when a specific problem arises.

Self-Referral: Students wishing to see a counselor should request an appointment through the guidance secretary or by the blue sign-in sheets located in the Counseling Office.

The Goals of the SMS Counseling Program Are:

to assist the student in his or her adjustment to middle school and transition to high school;
to assist the student in academic achievement and educational growth;
to assist the student in personal and social development;
to help the student establish and maintain positive interpersonal and peer relationships;
to help the student develop effective problem-solving and decision making skills;
to provide the student with guidance in career exploration;
to help the student appreciate the dignity and value of work and to incorporate appropriate leisure activities;
to be accessible and sensitive to the needs of the middle school student during this period of growth and change;
and to provide a positive emotional climate to enhance the total educational program.

GUIDANCE NEWS:

1.) 7^th grade students will attend the 2009/2010 Career Expo at the University of Virginia on Tuesday, November 1th from 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM. Ms. East and Mr. Guy, will present a preview in their Language Arts classes on November 9^th & 10^th. The morning at UVA will consist of a ballroom full of exhibitors from various careers sharing information with the students on what qualifications are necessary for particular jobs. Afterwards, the students will hear two presentations. One presenter, who is a professional from the area, will speak about important skills essential to securing a desired job. In addition, UVA students will present in another session about challenging oneself while in school to learn important skills essential to become a life-long learner.

2.) The PREP/Parent Resource Center provides information and support to families of children and youth with disabilities. We operate on the philosophy that parents are a valuable resource in planning the education of their child. Please contact Sarah Blech at sblech@k12albemarle.org or by phone at (434) 975-9400 ext. 68032 , the coordinator of the PRC, if you are interested in any of the following programs:

Autism and Aspergers Syndrome: Educational strategies that work at school and home
An overview of Medicade Waivers
The SEAC wants you!
Special education law changes in Virginia

The SMS Counselors Provide

the Following Services:

Counsel individuals and groups and provide guidance to students regarding their personal, social, educational and vocational needs.
Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and other support personnel regarding individual students.
Orient new students to Sutherland Middle School.
Work closely with the community by interpreting the school's mission and counseling department goals.
Daily and yearly student attendance.
Student records.
Referrals for students and/or families with specific problems to outside agencies for help.
Creation and maintenance of 504 plans.
Child studies.
Interpret standardized test scores to students, parents and teachers.
Registration and scheduling of current and first-year students.
Parent/teacher conferences.
Career exploration services.
Implementation of a county-wide anti-bullying program.

The SMS Counseling Website is updated every month. Please check back for updates or new information as the school year progresses. If you have any questions about the material presented on this page, please contact Mr. Cabell Guy in the SMS Guidance Office.