Individual Counseling
Students meet individually with counselors to discuss academic, personal, and social concerns. Students may self-refer, or be referred for counseling by their teachers or parents.

 

Group Counseling
Students may participate in group counseling sessions with other students who have similar problems. Based on student needs, groups may focus on:

• Academic Improvement/Organization
• General Support
• Anger Management
• Responsibility/Decision Making
• Peer Pressure/Refusal Skills
• Study Skills/Test Taking Skills
• Dealing with Family Changes
• Grief/Loss

Students must have parent permission before participating in group sessions. Groups meet during the school day on a rotating schedule.

 

Classroom Guidance
School Counselors provide school-wide training in the classroom on a variety of topics. Classroom topics have included:

• Career development
• Bullying
• Teasing
• Handling Criticism/Anger Management

 

Peer Mediation Program

The Peer Mediation Program is a conflict resolution program where 8th grade students are trained to handle conflict amongst their peers. Mediators apply learned skills and strategies to help keep minor school conflicts from escalating into more serious incidents.

 

Transition Program

The Guidance Counselor works with staff from Memorial, Strong and Coginchaug schools throughout the school year to ensure a successful transition for students from sixth grade to seventh grade, and from eighth grade to ninth grade. . There is a 6-7 Transition Committee and an 8-9 Transition Committee composed of staff from each school that works on making the transition from Memorial to Strong and from Strong to Coginchaug go as smoothly as possible. Memorial Brochure

Parent/Staff Consultation
Parents may call the counselors whenever necessary to discuss their child’s needs. Counselors can provide insight into student behavior and work with school staff to develop ways to assist students in need. Counselors also serve on the Student Assistance Team.