“Welcome Back, What Is Counseling, & Procedures” introduces students to the role of the school counselor and the ways counseling services can support them throughout the year. Students will learn how and when to seek help, what to expect when meeting with the counselor, the limits of confidentiality, and the procedures for requesting support. We will also use this time to reconnect, review expectations, and help students begin the year feeling informed, comfortable, and supported.

“Academic Habits” focuses on helping students build practical skills that support success in and out of the classroom. Students will explore strategies for managing their time, staying organized, developing effective study routines, and taking greater responsibility for their learning. We will also discuss self-advocacy, including how to ask for help, communicate with teachers, and speak up appropriately when they need support.

This unit helps students better understand their emotions and develop healthy ways to respond to them. Students will learn to recognize emotional triggers, identify how emotions can affect thoughts and behavior, and practice strategies for calming down, managing stress, and making thoughtful choices during difficult situations.

“Relationships” focuses on helping students build healthier, more respectful connections with others. Students will learn how to recognize characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, handle conflict in constructive ways, establish and respect appropriate boundaries, and better understand the perspectives and feelings of others. We will also emphasize empathy, kindness, and social awareness as important parts of creating positive relationships at school and beyond.

This unit will encourage students think intentionally about what they want to accomplish and the steps needed to get there. Students will learn how to set meaningful, realistic goals, break larger goals into manageable actions, and recognize the habits and choices that influence progress. We will also discuss motivation, perseverance, and how to keep moving forward when goals become difficult or setbacks occur.

“Career Exploration” gives students an opportunity to begin thinking about their interests, strengths, and possible paths for the future. Students will explore a variety of careers, consider the education or training different careers may require, make connections between the skills they are developing now and future opportunities, and even learn how to fill out job applications! The goal is not for students to have everything figured out, but to help them become more aware of the possibilities ahead.

“Decision-Making” focuses on helping students slow down, consider their options, and make thoughtful choices. Students will learn how to identify possible consequences, weigh risks and benefits, consider how their decisions may affect themselves and others, and use problem-solving strategies when faced with difficult situations. We will also discuss the importance of taking responsibility for choices and learning from mistakes.

“Mental Health & Social Awareness” helps students build a basic understanding of mental health and recognize when they or someone else may need additional support. Students will learn common warning signs, how to respond appropriately when they are concerned about a friend, and why being supportive does not mean taking on the role of a counselor. We will also address bullying, harassment, and the responsibility students have as bystanders to seek help, speak up safely, and contribute to a school environment where others feel respected and supported.

“Looking Ahead” gives students a chance to reflect on their growth, recognize what they have learned, and think intentionally about what comes next. We will encourage students to identify strengths, consider areas they still want to improve, and leave the year with a clearer sense of confidence, responsibility, and readiness for the next step.

Some counseling topics are required by state law, district expectations, or school safety initiatives. Families will be notified in advance when appropriate, and any required parent/guardian consent or opt-out procedures will be followed. Students who do not participate in a particular lesson will be provided with an appropriate supplemental activity.

• Erin’s Law
  Students will receive age-appropriate instruction focused on personal safety, recognizing unsafe or inappropriate situations, understanding appropriate boundaries, and knowing how and when to seek help from a trusted adult.
• Family Life — 8th Grade Only
  Students will participate in age-appropriate instruction related to healthy development, relationships, personal responsibility, and other topics outlined within the approved family life curriculum.
• Sex Trafficking Prevention — 8th Grade Only
  Students will learn age-appropriate information about recognizing potentially unsafe or exploitative situations, common warning signs of trafficking or grooming behaviors, online and personal safety, and how to seek help for themselves or someone else.
• Suicide Prevention — 8th Grade Only
  Students will learn how to recognize warning signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis, the importance of taking concerning statements or behaviors seriously, and how to connect themselves or a friend with a trusted adult and appropriate support.
• Firearm Safety — In Partnership with our School Resource Officer
  Students will receive practical, age-appropriate information about firearm safety and responsible decision-making. Instruction will emphasize what students should do if they encounter a firearm or become aware of a potentially dangerous situation, including the importance of immediately involving a trusted adult or law enforcement professional.