Berkshire Middle School

Welcome!

The mission of Berkshire Middle School is to create a positive, supportive environment, which enables students to become productive, contributing, well-educated members of society.
We recognize and abide by the American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards for School Counselors (1998) and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (1997)

The Michigan School Counselor Association provided the format for this brochure.  MSCA is a state branch of the American School Counselor Association and a division of the Michigan Counseling Association.
www.mich-sca.org

The Counseling Program
The counseling program is a comprehensive one that is designed to meet the developmental needs of all of our middle school students.  Its purpose is to assist students in becoming successful, productive, and responsible citizens.

Our program is designed to enhance students’ academic achievement and personal/social development.  It is delivered through individual, small and large group counseling.

   Counselor Appointments
Students are encouraged to sign up for an appointment in advance, if possible. Occasionally counselors are available on a walk-in basis before, during, or after school. Parents are also encouraged to email or call in advance for an appointment.

   Michigan School Counselors Help Our Children Find Success in School by:

• Helping develop positive attitudes among students towards self, family, and community.
• Counseling with students individually and in groups to help them understand and appreciate their unique qualities and to grow personally and socially.
• Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as: grade point average, academic success, and course selections.
• Assisting students to become invested in their school success by showing them how school performance relates to career opportunities.
• Working collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to identify and remove barriers that may impede student achievement.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality means that the privacy of information that you share with your counselor belongs to you.  You may share information with others as you wish, but we understand that you have a right to privacy.  We will guard that privacy as much as is permitted by the law, ethics, and school rules. There are times that parents request that information be shared with others, at which time a release form must be signed.  Only information you request will be released unless mandated by law or ethics. 
You should know that there are exceptions when we are obligated to break confidentiality. These exceptions include:  any time that there is a potential risk of harm to or by an individual, state mandated reporting of child abuse, or a court of law that requires testimony or student records. 
Counselors occasionally consult with other school professionals, but in such cases only information necessary to achieving the goals of the conference will be shared.