Counseling Program
The
school counselors at CRMS work with all students through classroom
curriculum, small group, and individual counseling. The focus is
supporting the students socially, emotionally, behaviorally,
academically, and with interpersonal challenges with which students
struggle as they matriculate through the educational system.
They work with teachers and parents to provide interventions when
needed to improve the quality of the student's educational and
social/emotional experience. The emphasis is always on enhancing
the independence and personal competency of the student and to work in
collaboration with teachers and parents. At CRMS we have two school counselors. Margaret Page works with the fifth and sixth grade students, staff, and parents. Pam Pleas works with students, staff, and parents in the seventh and eighth
grades. As counselors, Ms. Page and Mrs. Pleas work collaboratively on many levels and
also serve as coordinators of the Student Assistance Team for CRMS.
margaret_page@fivetowns.netMs. Page and Mrs. Pleas can be reached throughout the school day
by calling (207 ) 236-7805 or by email :
by calling (207 ) 236-7805 or by email :
pam_pleas@fivetowns.net
Why Middle School Counselors?
The American School Counselor Association states “today's young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies, and expanding opportunities. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders, and citizens, every student needs support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Early adolescents face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement. "
Middle School Students' Developmental Needs
Middle school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents, and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests, connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme sensitivity to the comments from others; and a heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval.
Meeting the Challenge
Middle school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's students. Middle school counselors are an integral part of the total educational program. They provide a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school program that follows the American School Counselor Association National Standards.