Oak Hill Middle School Guidance and Counseling
Counselors: Mel Jackson, 8th Grade, (478) 457-3397; Tamara Richardson, 7th Grade (478) 457-2945; Del Johnson, 6th Grade (478) 457-3395
As part of the school curriculum, counseling services are available to all OHMS students during the school day. The middle school counseling program includes prevention and intervention activities to assist students in their academic, emotional and social development. These needs can be met through classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling and individual counseling. If parents would like for their child to be excluded from individual or group counseling, the Oak Hill Middle School counseling department must have that request in writing.
Program Philosophy
School counseling programs are an integral part of students’ daily educational environment and are designed to produce positive changes in student behavior and learning. Outcomes include increased academic achievement, improved attendance, increased social skills, individual goal setting, and career exploration.
The purpose of the school counseling program is to provide and support the delivery of specific skills and information in a proactive, preventative manner to ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve school success. It also serves to provide intervention and referral services for students who are experiencing difficulty in their lives that interfere with their academic achievement. The school counselor serves as a program leader and collaborates with other pupil services personnel as well as other school staff in the delivery of services.
Curriculum
The curriculum reflects the standards set forth at the state and county level centering around the three domains: academic, personal/social, and career. QCC’s and standards may be viewed at www.doe.k12.ga.us under Helpful Links, QCC Curriculum, your child’s grade, and Guidance.
Classroom Guidance
Guidance lessons will be presented in the classroom at each grade level throughout the year covering a variety of areas. Topics may include: developing healthy friendships, understanding self, respecting self and others, bully prevention, school pride, study skills, career exploration, transitioning from elementary and to high school.
Individual Counseling
The counselor is available to help you or your child on a short-term individual basis. Basic problem solving strategies are utilized.
Small Group Counseling
Small group sessions may be offered to provide students who need assistance and support from other students. Topics may include study skills, loss – whether death, divorce, military, or fire, anger management. Written permission will be requested prior to participation.
Consulting
The counselors are available to consult with parents, teachers, and other helping personnel to address the needs of students by participating on interdisciplinary teams, Individual Educational Planning teams, or on an individual basis.
Services Available
- Consultation – Discussions with parents, teachers, or personnel to provide sharing of information and ideas to plan and carry out strategies for helping students.
- New Student Orientation – To introduce new students to OHMS and provide opportunities to meet other new students.
- Child Study – Assist with identifying, evaluating, and developing strategies for students with special needs.
- Gifted Education – Assist with identifying and placement for students eligible for ACE – the talented and gifted program.
- Test Interpretation – Assist teachers and parents with interpretation of standardized test scores.
- Transition to Middle School – Work with students, parents, and staff to ease transition to middle school.
- Career Exploration – Conduct classroom guidance to discuss transition of school to work.
- Community Service Projects – Coordinate school-wide activities to benefit charitable organizations.
- Parent Newsletters/Website/Workshops – Share information about OHMS activities and tips and strategies for working with middle school students.
- Student Recognition – Assist with coordination and implementation of special activities designed to recognize student achievement and promote positive school climate.
- Tutoring Services – Coordinate identification of students who may benefit from academic tutoring and the available programs.