SMS Counseling Department 

The mission of Stephenson Middle School’s comprehensive school counseling program strives to prepare every student socially, academically, and emotionally for present and future challenges. Students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career planning opportunities in an environment that is safe, caring, and encouraging. SMS counselors work in collaborative partnerships with students, educators, parents, and community members to empower students to reach their highest level as productive members of society. 
 
The comprehensive school counseling program is an essential integrated component of the total instructional program through which students have opportunities for academic, career, and personal/social development. In this regard, the school counseling program involves a planned, purposeful, and sequential program of activities for 6th through 8th grade. Our comprehensive school counseling programs are data-driven by student needs and provide outcome-based accountability measures that align the school counseling program with the school’s overall academic mission. We model our program using the “The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs” which outlines the components of a school counseling program that is integral to the school’s academic mission and is created to have a significant positive impact on student achievement, attendance and discipline. 

The ASCA National Model guides SMS counselors in the development of school counseling programs that: 

are based on data-informed decision making  

are delivered to all students systematically  

include a developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on the mindsets and behaviors all students need for postsecondary readiness and success 

close achievement and opportunity gaps  

result in improved student achievement, attendance and discipline 

Counseling Department Staff