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Guidance News

GUIDANCE NEWS 2007-08

The Guidance Department has had a busy start to the year. All students have had an orientation to guidance services including the Student Assistance Program. In addition, students have heard about the harassment policy and the state bully prevention law from Assistant Principal Richard Amato and their school counselor. Our hope is that by providing early education, we can create a positive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Our guidance staff remains the same this year. Mrs. Barcomb is the administrative assistance in the guidance office. Kathy Stergas is the counselor for the Eclipse and Nexus teams and is here all day on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Wednesdays and Thursdays, mornings. Jane Zenaty is the counselor for all sixth graders (Nova and Odyssey teams), and the Kaleidoscope and Sequoia teams. Peggy Weaver is the Student Assistance Counselor and serves all students. Peggy sees students regarding many issues and has a specialty in substance abuse issues. We would like to welcome our MSW intern working with Peggy Weaver.
Nancy Shamp
will be working with Peggy until May 2008.

There are a number of services provided by the guidance department including classroom curriculum, individual counseling, guidance discussion groups, Peer Mediation, S.T.O.P. (Students Together on Prevention) and VKAT (Vermont Kids Against Tobacco) . Sixth grade students are participating in a five-day unit on "Conflict Resolution - Building Better Relationships". As a school, we promote using peaceful strategies to resolve conflicts. Verbal or physical harassment or bullying is not tolerated.

Seventh and eighth graders participate in classroom guidance through "Chat Hat". This is time for open discussion on current and pertinent topics for young adolescents.

Students Together On Prevention (STOP) will begin meeting Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. in the library. STOP is a student-run group that meets weekly, the group works on activities such as Ghost Out Day and Mix It Up Day. The group's focus is to support prevention, drug/alcohol awareness and to encourage diversity throughout the school.  If you, or your student, have any questions about this group contact Peggy Weaver, SAP at 865.5378

Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT) is a group made up of students who are (or want to be) tobacco free. Students in this group participate in an anti-smoking rally at the State House, Operation Storefront (a survey of tobacco and alcohol advertising), and smoking prevention presentations. The group meets after school beginning Monday, September 25 from 2:45-3:45. If you, or your student, have any questions about this group contact Peggy Weaver, SAP at 865.5378

Guidance groups provide an opportunity for students to explore issues of adolescence, in a confidential setting. Groups are offered on topics such as: coping with family stress, friendships, dating and relationships, substance abuse, school concerns, grief and loss, stress and relaxation, and careers. Participation in a group is voluntary. If you have any questions about groups or would like to refer your child to one, please call us at 864-8470.

 

 Conferences are available throughout the year M,W and Thus. at 3:00pm, by calling the guidance office. 864-8470

OPPORTUNITY FOR ACADEMICALLY TALENTED STUDENTS

The Center for Talented Youth (CTY) through Johns Hopkins University offers a program that identifies, assesses, and recognizes students with exceptional mathematical and/or verbal reason abilities. Students scoring at the "proficient with distinction" level on any part of a state standardized test may apply to participate in the Talent Search. The NECAP scores were sent home last spring. If your child qualifies for this program and you would like more information or an application, please call your child's guidance counselor.

 


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