Mattlin Middle School

Progressive Developmental Guidance ProgramJoan SapirDanielle OrgonikValerie ZaffersIrene Petrsoric

Counselor:Student Ratio4: 800Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School

Mission StatementSchool counselors are professionally trained and 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. Our main goal is to advocate for our students and ensure that they each have a successful middle school experience. We work with students individually, in small groups, and within the classroom setting to support and assist them with their academic, social/emotional, behavioral, and personal development. We also work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals in order to identify and minimize any barriers that stand in the way of student success. In addition, we serve as an important source of information, resources, and referrals.

School-wide ProgramsMAP- Middle School Advisory ProgramKIA- Kids In ActionNatural HelpersUpstanders Making a DifferenceSpirit & Tolerance Week High School Peer Mentor ProgramTransition programs RESPECT: R-respect E-everyone S-show P-pride E-exhibit C-compassion and T-tolerance

Individual CounselingCrisis intervention Conflict resolutionAcademic counselingCareer counselingDecision making skillsOrganizational skillsTransition PlanningMandated CounselingMediation Counseling as needed

Group CounselingStress management learn strategies cope with stress Friendship group learn ways to make new friendsSocial skills - learn and practice social skills in a controlled environmentBereavement support group for students who have lost a loved oneChanging Families families of divorce/separationNew student familiarize new students with POB Middle SchoolRelational Aggression learn and utilize strategies positive communication strategiesOrganization learn helpful organizational skillStudy skills learn helpful study tips and strategiesTime management learn effective time management strategiesDecision making - learn and practice effective decision making skillsSelf esteem support for group to assist students in feeling more positive about themselvesAnger management learn coping skills, triggers, and strategies for managing anger

Please note that guidance counseling groups are subject to change based on the specific needs of students within our caseloadsSocial and Emotional Learning (SEL)/Classroom LessonsIntroduction to Guidance LessonsChoices and ConsequencesTransition programsInternet Safety/ CyberbullyingSexual Harrassment Study Skills, Organizational Skills and Goal Setting Tolerance and acceptanceAcademic Planning and Scheduling RESPECTHigh School 101

Please note that guidance classroom lessons can be individual or small/large group programs. They are tailored to the developmental needs of the grade level . CSE-Committee of Special Education Meetings504 Meetings408 MeetingsSTEPS- School Team Exercising Proactive StrategiesTeam MeetingsParent/Team MeetingsArticulation/Transition MeetingsGuidance Department MeetingsDistrict Wide Guidance Department Meetings

Articulation and Advocacy8Parent/Orientation ProgramsNew Student Orientation Incoming Grade 5 OrientationBack to School NightTransition Programs Grades 5-8Parent/Teacher ConferencesHigh School 1018th Grade Visitation to the High School8th Grade Orientation to High School ElectivesOrientation Classroom Presentations to upcoming 7th gradersPresentations based upon community upon needsPast presentations have included:Internet SafetyCyberbullyingA Night with John HalliganSchedulingGrade level schedulingIndividual Student/Parent Meetings (8th grade)Input Course RequestsCourse VerificationsCourse Placement Counseling (Self-Selection)Class Conflict ResolutionBalance ClassesArticulation with Teachers

Community OutreachNewsletters provides information on current trends and topics for middle school students and parents (approximately three times a year)Guidance Website provides parents with up-to-date information and resources for their middle school childrenOngoing Professional DevelopmentNetworking

TimelinePlease note that guidance counseling groups and classroom lessons do not have a set timeline. They are incorporated throughout the course of the school-year and are subject to change based on the specific needs of the students.