About Counseling Services at Virginia Middle School
Your Virginia Middle School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the needs of students in grades 6 through 8. Counselors promote and enhance the academic, personal, social, health, and career development of all students and guide students and their families in making informed educational decisions.
School counselors at the middle school level support students as they transition from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school. Middle school counselors also serve as a resource for parents and teachers and as a liaison with community agencies.
School counselors at the middle school level support students as they transition from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school. Middle school counselors also serve as a resource for parents and teachers and as a liaison with community agencies.
About Ms. Melton, your school counselor at Virginia Middle School
Greetings! My name is Catherine Melton and I am thrilled to serve as your school counselor at Virginia Middle School. I am so looking forward to a wonderful year working with students, families, school staff, and community members.
This will be my first year working as a professional school counselor. Previously I worked for two years as a college and career advisor in a large, urban high school in the D.C. Metro area. I also have experience as a student financial aid advisor at the University of Virginia. I am excited to take on this new role as a school counselor and I am particularly thrilled to be working with middle school students and their families.
I completed my undergraduate degree in history and art history from the University of Virginia. I earned my masters degree in professional school counseling from the University of Georgia. I have also completed coursework toward a pre-professional certificate in marriage and family therapy.
I am new to the Bristol area but am very eager to explore what this community has to offer.
This will be my first year working as a professional school counselor. Previously I worked for two years as a college and career advisor in a large, urban high school in the D.C. Metro area. I also have experience as a student financial aid advisor at the University of Virginia. I am excited to take on this new role as a school counselor and I am particularly thrilled to be working with middle school students and their families.
I completed my undergraduate degree in history and art history from the University of Virginia. I earned my masters degree in professional school counseling from the University of Georgia. I have also completed coursework toward a pre-professional certificate in marriage and family therapy.
I am new to the Bristol area but am very eager to explore what this community has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions at the Middle School Level
What do middle school counselors do?
Your middle school counselor is knowledgeable about the unique developmental needs of young adolescents and apply that knowledge to their work with students, families, and staff. Middle school counselors provide proactive leadership and advocacy to help their students succeed academically, personally, and socially. They work with students in classrooms, in small groups, and individually to build key skills and to address specific concerns.
How do middle school counselors prepare fifth grade students and their families for their transition to middle school?
Middle school counselors visit the elementary schools during the spring of the fifth grade year to talk with students and families about middle school and to provide strategies for making a smooth transition. The counselor works with the middle school staff to orient youngsters to their new school setting and to help students build the academic, personal, and interpersonal skills necessary for success. The counselor is also available to work with small groups or individuals who may need additional support during the transition period.
How do middle school counselors prepare students and their families for their transition to high school?
Middle school is a time when career exploration expands and students begin to connect their aspirations and interests with their academic achievement. Counselors nurture the career development process, working with school staff to equip students with the skills needed for success in high school including goal-setting, organization, and effective decision making. Middle school counselors collaborate with counselors at the high school to support students through the process of selecting high school courses and thinking about post-secondary possibilities. Your middle school counselor will meet with students and families during the 7th grade year to develop an Academic and Career Plan that includes long-term goals for high school and beyond. This plan will be revisited annually and revised as needed through the student's senior year in high school.
How do middle school counselors support middle school students with developing coping strategies regarding their rapidly changing physiological and psychological needs?
Middle school counselors are sensitive to the developmental needs of young adolescents. Through classroom presentations, small group sessions, and individual counseling they help students understand their experiences and develop effective strategies for coping with them. School counselors at the middle school level also consult with school staff and families to offer suggestions for supporting youngsters during this period of rapid growth.
Are there other resources available if a student's needs are particularly intense?
Yes. Middle school counselors regularly collaborate with the school nurse, the school psychologist, the school system's social worker (who serves as a liaison to many school system resources), and with private therapists and other community agencies. When necessary, middle school counselors act as case managers in referring students to alternative education and special education resources as well as community-based programs.
Your middle school counselor is knowledgeable about the unique developmental needs of young adolescents and apply that knowledge to their work with students, families, and staff. Middle school counselors provide proactive leadership and advocacy to help their students succeed academically, personally, and socially. They work with students in classrooms, in small groups, and individually to build key skills and to address specific concerns.
How do middle school counselors prepare fifth grade students and their families for their transition to middle school?
Middle school counselors visit the elementary schools during the spring of the fifth grade year to talk with students and families about middle school and to provide strategies for making a smooth transition. The counselor works with the middle school staff to orient youngsters to their new school setting and to help students build the academic, personal, and interpersonal skills necessary for success. The counselor is also available to work with small groups or individuals who may need additional support during the transition period.
How do middle school counselors prepare students and their families for their transition to high school?
Middle school is a time when career exploration expands and students begin to connect their aspirations and interests with their academic achievement. Counselors nurture the career development process, working with school staff to equip students with the skills needed for success in high school including goal-setting, organization, and effective decision making. Middle school counselors collaborate with counselors at the high school to support students through the process of selecting high school courses and thinking about post-secondary possibilities. Your middle school counselor will meet with students and families during the 7th grade year to develop an Academic and Career Plan that includes long-term goals for high school and beyond. This plan will be revisited annually and revised as needed through the student's senior year in high school.
How do middle school counselors support middle school students with developing coping strategies regarding their rapidly changing physiological and psychological needs?
Middle school counselors are sensitive to the developmental needs of young adolescents. Through classroom presentations, small group sessions, and individual counseling they help students understand their experiences and develop effective strategies for coping with them. School counselors at the middle school level also consult with school staff and families to offer suggestions for supporting youngsters during this period of rapid growth.
Are there other resources available if a student's needs are particularly intense?
Yes. Middle school counselors regularly collaborate with the school nurse, the school psychologist, the school system's social worker (who serves as a liaison to many school system resources), and with private therapists and other community agencies. When necessary, middle school counselors act as case managers in referring students to alternative education and special education resources as well as community-based programs.