Middle school support

Middle school is an exciting time of growth, discovery, and new opportunities. Our counselors are here to support 7th and 8th grade students as they navigate academic choices, build friendships, develop leadership skills, and prepare for high school. Whether you need help with course selection, social challenges, or just want someone to talk to, we're here for you.

7th grade: Making the transition

The main goal for our 7th-grade students is to smoothly transition from their local elementary schools into Woodstock Union. The transition to middle school is one that is exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of opportunity. The middle school counselors understand the importance of this time of life. We believe a smooth transition into middle school is accomplished by getting to know all the students, listening to parents' and teachers' insights, and being available and transparent about the process.

Counselors visit classrooms and meet in small groups to get to know all of the students and to familiarize them with the support our office has to provide. Students are encouraged to come in during study halls, before or after school, or during lunch/advisory time if they need help with something, need a break in their day, or just want to visit and say hello. Counselors will also reach out when a student is referred by a parent/caregiver, teacher, or concerned peer.

Course selection for 7th grade

Choosing your courses in middle school is exciting! You can explore new subjects or go deeper into areas that interest you. For the first time, you'll make decisions about how many classes to take based on your own needs and interests.

Think about your life outside school - how busy are you with activities? Do you need extra academic support during the day? Are you ready to take on learning a new language? Talk with your family and current teachers as you make these choices. Your counselors are here to help with any questions or planning.

How it works: In the spring, counselors visit 6th-grade classes to explain middle school scheduling and course options. You'll get a course guide to take home and review with your family. Your required classes (Humanities, Math, Life Science, Wellness, and Geometry) are automatically scheduled, so you only choose electives.

After the presentation, you and your parents will receive a course request form by email. Fill it out together and submit by the deadline. Your completed schedule arrives over the summer, and counselors are available the week before school starts for any needed changes.
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8th grade: Leadership and exploration

Eighth graders returning to Woodstock Middle School typically understand the role of the counselors in the school. Our goal in working with 8th-grade students is to review the many ways in which we provide support. We visit 8th-grade classes to reacquaint students with our services and to stress the importance of looking out for each other. In those visits, leadership and stewardship of their community are encouraged. In partnership with teachers, administrators, parents, and a caring community, the school counselors will help all students to be successful lifelong learners and problem solvers.

The 8th-grade year is a time to prepare for the future. Our goal is to prepare students to become lifelong learners who are able to embrace challenges while becoming successful members of their communities. As effective collaborators, our students will celebrate diversity while working with others to creatively solve problems.

The eighth grade experience

Eighth grade is a time of personal exploration. Who am I? What are my interests, strengths, and abilities? How do I need to grow to realize my aspirations? The eighth-grade team believes that students' futures hold unlimited and unknown possibilities and that exploring those possibilities impacts the learning that they engage in today. Cognizant of the demands that lie ahead for students, teachers design learning activities that strike a balance between exploration and structure, high expectations and support, and personalization and collaboration.

Course selection for 8th grade

In the spring, the middle school counselors give a presentation to rising 8th grade students, reviewing the course selection process and going over existing and new electives. A Zoom presentation will also be available for parents and guardians. Students and parents will be emailed a link to the online course guide for review. Course requests will be done through Alma and you will receive an email when the site is live. Parents/guardians will be able to view their child's course requests on their Alma account. Schedules are sent home over the summer, and counselors are available the week before school to make changes.
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Social-emotional support

Building relationships and community

Adolescence is a time when friends and a sense of belonging become a top priority in students' lives. Counselors are available in a variety of ways, from assisting students in making connections with others to mediating when conflicts arise. Healthy communication and healthy relationships are modeled, taught, and practiced in our office.

Technology and digital citizenship

In a world where the advances of technology are outpacing our ability to adapt, adolescent use and misuse of social media have created unique and challenging social situations. Counselors are experienced in supporting students to problem solve how to extricate themselves from communications that have gotten out of their control or to protect themselves when they find themselves on the receiving end of misuse. Counselors also encourage appropriate use of technology to avoid online conflicts.

School-wide learning

Several school-wide educational events are planned for grades 7-9 every year to address current concerns such as bullying, social media etiquette, and healthy choices.