CUSD Middle School Counseling Core Curriculum
The CUSD school counseling core curriculum consists of structured lessons designed to help students attain the desired competencies and to provide all students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills appropriate for their developmental level. The school counseling core curriculum is delivered throughout the school’s overall curriculum and is systematically presented by school counselors in collaboration with other professional educators in K-12 classroom and group activities.
View the CUSD Middle School Comprehensive School Counseling Core Curriculum and School-Wide Activities here .
Middle School Counseling Program
Meeting the Needs of the Middle School Student
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 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 diverse student population. Middle school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve success in school. Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century.
Counseling Services Include:
- Individual Counseling (request to see Mrs. Espeleta here)
- problem solving
- goal setting
- social/emotional support
- peer relations
- Group Counseling
- self-esteem
- peer relations
- leadership
- growth mindset
- Responsive Services
- provide support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations
- Classroom Lessons
- character trait lessons
- A-G high school requirements and course selection
- college and career interests
- and more...
- Student Study Teams/Accommodation Plans
School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools; however, we are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and to assist students and families seeking resources.
