• Westlawn Middle School

    Counseling Mission Statement

    The mission of the school counseling department at Westlawn Middle School is to provide all students access to a comprehensive program and to equip them with the skills necessary to achieve academic, personal/social, and career excellence. The ultimate goal of the program is for each student to graduate with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to be lifelong learners who are able to make self-directed, realistic and responsible decisions.

     

     

    Counseling Belief Statements

    ● EVERY student can SUCCEED and ACHIEVE at a high level.

    ● All students can learn to become self-advocates and resilient in facing challenges.

    ● All children are unique and can benefit from the counseling services provided in the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Model for Alabama Public Schools (The State Plan), Bulletin 2003, No. 89.

    ● Every student has the right to participate in a comprehensive school counseling program designed to assist all students in attaining their maximum potential in academic, career, and personal/social development.

    ● The developmental needs of students are best met through implementation of a data-driven comprehensive school counseling program. This program should recognize and respect all students' individuality and special needs, including ethnic, cultural, racial, and gender differences.

    ● The school counseling program should be developed with purposeful planning and coordination that includes representatives of the school and community.

    ● Every student has the opportunity to participate in activities that promote self-direction and self-development.

    ● Every student has the right to make choices and accept responsibility for choices made.

    ● School counselors ARE leaders, advocates, and collaborators.

    ● School counselors are an integral part of the student support team that includes teachers, parents, administrators, social workers, and community members.

     

     

    Why Middle School Counselors?

    Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership is encouraged as it enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.