Social/Emotional Resources

Second Step: Skills for Social & Academic Success

Transitioning to middle school can be tough. The research-based Second Step program helps schools teach and model essential communication, coping, and decision-making skills that help adolescents navigate around common pitfalls such as peer pressure, substance abuse, and bullying (both in-person and online). The outcome? Reduced aggression1 and support for a more inclusive environment that helps students stay in school, make good choices, and experience social and academic success. Second Step is a classroom-based social-skills program created by the Committee for Children that teaches socio-emotional skills aimed at reducing impulsive and aggressive behavior while increasing social competence.

6th Grade:

Sixth grade is when many students first encounter peer pressure, substance abuse, and social bullying. The research-based Second Step program provides age-appropriate lessons to teach important skills, such as how to disagree respectfully, be assertive, and recognize and respond to bullying. Videos and class discussions engage students and offer strategies for solving problems, identifying hopes, and making plans.

-Second Step

7th Grade:

The second year of middle school can present new threats such as cyber bullying and sexual harassment. The research-based Second Step program provides engaging videos and class discussions to help open the lines of communication at school and at home, providing students with tools and strategies for coping with challenges and stress. The skills they learn can help them differentiate fact from fiction and make responsible decisions.

-Second Step

8th Grade:

Eighth-grade students are going through physical, social, and emotional growth spurts. They want to try new things and are interested in how things work. The research-based Second Step program provides much-needed lessons on self-esteem, being a good friend, stereotypes, bullying on dates, substance abuse prevention, and keeping commitments. Students wrap up their middle school years with the skills they need for a successful transition to high school.

-Second Step

For more information please click the link below:

http://www.cfchildren.org/second-step/middle-school

Alignment with 2015 American School Counselor Association Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success

http://www.cfchildren.org/Portals/0/SS_Multi/ss_doc/asca-alignment-2015-web.pdf

ABINGDON-AVON MIDDLE SCHOOL BEHAVIOR MATRIX

Abingdon-Avon Middle School Behavior Matrix

Abingdon-Avon Middle School is strongly committed to building children's social, emotional and academic competencies. The counseling department is an important part of the school’s environment that fosters respect, responsibility, and kindness through different programs and activities, along with a partnership between parents, administrators, teachers and the community, to help create a conducive environment for our children to learn and develop. Because of this, Abingdon-Avon Middle School feels that students have the right to feel safe and emotionally supported in school. Please see the below link that demonstrates how our children can help create the respectful, responsible and kind environment that Abingdon-Avon Middle School strives for.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS

Connecting with Your Child’s School Counselor for a Successful School Year

Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child’s school counselor:

School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, assisting with academic, career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need but to all students.

Meet or contact your child’s school counselor at least three times per school year:

The beginning of a school year is an excellent opportunity to initiate contact with your child’s school counselor and doing so can ensure your child’s positive school experience. Find out who the counselor is and what his or her experience and background are. By communicating with one another at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, parents and counselors can have a definite impact on a child’s success.

Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns with the school counselor:

As a parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. It’s important to encourage your child’s expression of needs, hopes, and frustrations. School counselors are trained to help your children.

Learn about your child’s school and social connections from the school counselor:

When you need information or assistance, your child’s school counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance, and dress; know the school calendar of important dates and stay connected with the school in many other ways. The school counselor can also help you locate resources in the community when you need them.

Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems:

If your child is having a problem at school, it is important to work with your child’s school counselor to find solutions. Discuss resources available within and outside of the school, and get information on how such programs can benefit your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child’s education and preparation for life beyond school.

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

Guidance Counselor: Andrew Harty

Email: aharty@atown276.net

Phone: 306.465.3851