The Middle School Counseling Program encompasses the three key aspects of the middle school student during these very challenging and developmentally important years. These areas are the academic, personal/social and career development of the student. The counselor reviews and evaluates transcripts and interprets placement tests to insure correct placement within the middle school program and reviews encore class choices with the students. The counselor also serves as the liaison between parents, teachers and students. The counselor works with students individually or in groups to assist in personal or social challenges. The application of skills taught in the middle school to a student’s career goals are also in the realm of the counselor’s role. Parents are urged to contact the counselor in regards to any concerns they have regarding their child. The counselor also assists in the transition to the middle school as well as the high school.
Each middle school grade level has identified student Peer Helpers who assist new students in their transition to ISKL. The Peer Helpers are “buddies” who welcome new students and help them with class room location, meeting teachers and peers, attending after school activities and becoming acquainted with the various pursuits in the middle school. This program is supervised by the middle school Counselor.
The SRT meets weekly to review identified student concerns. Working with teachers, parents and students, the SRT is designed to support and assist students who may require a more individualised program to ensure their success.
Another key function of the SRT is to support, guide, advise and otherwise act as a resource for teachers who are working directly with students in the classroom.
The SRT consists of the principal, the middle school counselor, school nurse, learning resource teacher, the school psychologist and ESL teachers.
Parent involvement is an important element of the SRT process. Parents are consulted prior to any assessment or intervention. Parents will be fully informed and involved in decisions that are made concerning their children.
The Core Support class offers students who learn differently assistance in content area courses, through a scheduled class which offers support and consultative services. A variety of study strategies are introduced and practiced in order to foster independence in the content classes. Students are instructed in organizational skills, thinking skills, and time management. Some remedial instruction may be provided in support of Core and Encore subjects.
The EAL program is for students who are learning English as an Additional Language. It provides these students with English instruction and support. The EAL program strives to prepare students to become academically proficient in English and successful in mainstream classes at ISKL. There is an entrance and exit assessment for this program.
The EAL program is divided into four levels - Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced (Humanities Support). A student typically spends one semester in a level. Students are grouped according to English ability and grade level. As students progress in the EAL program, they are mainstreamed to regular class and become increasingly independent. EAL classes are content-based. In other words, students learn English through the study of themes or topics. Each thematic unit integrates the teaching of reading, writing, listening, speaking and study skills.
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