Counseling Overview

Counseling Services at Overland Trail Middle School

The Overland Trail Middle School Counseling Department is committed to supporting the academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being of every student. Our school counselors work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and administrators to help students grow into confident, capable, and resilient learners.

What School Counselors Do

School counselors provide preventative, developmental, and responsive services to meet the needs of all students in grades 6–8. Our role is to support students so they are ready to learn and succeed—both in school and beyond.

Counseling Services We Provide

Academic Support

• Assist students with goal setting, organization, time management, and study skills
• Monitor academic progress and help students develop strategies for success
• Support students during academic transitions (6th grade entry and preparation for high school)
• Collaborate with teachers and families to address academic concerns

Social-Emotional Support

• Teach classroom lessons focused on skills such as coping strategies, emotional regulation, kindness, and healthy decision-making
• Support students with peer relationships, conflict resolution, stress, anxiety, and self-esteem
• Help students build healthy habits related to physical, emotional, and social wellness

Individual & Small Group Counseling

• Short-term individual counseling for students experiencing social, emotional, or school-related challenges
• Small group counseling focused on topics such as friendship skills, managing emotions, stress management, grief, confidence-building and other topics based on need
• Crisis support and safety planning when students need immediate assistance

Family & Staff Collaboration

• Partner with families to support student growth and problem-solving
• Consult with teachers and staff to support student needs in the classroom
• Connect students and families to outside resources when/if needed (ex: Community Reach Counseling and other therapy resources, food and living essentials, etc)

Prevention & Schoolwide Programs

• Deliver schoolwide lessons and activities that promote a positive school climate
• Support bullying prevention, digital citizenship, and social-emotional learning
• Advocate for equity, inclusion, and student voice
• Promote protective factors and resilience through programs such as Sources of Strength

Creating a Culturally Responsive Environment

Counselors work to make schools feel safe, welcoming, and respectful for all cultures. They advocate for inclusive policies, help staff understand cultural differences, and promote respect for diverse identities such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, and family structure. They recognize how culture influences communication styles, values, behavior, and emotional expression, and they adapt their approaches so students feel understood and supported.

 

What School Counselors Do Not Do

To best support students, school counselors do not provide long-term therapy or replace outside mental health services. When appropriate, counselors help connect families with community resources for ongoing support.

How to Contact the Counseling Department

Students and families are encouraged to reach out to the counseling office with questions or concerns. Students may request to see a counselor, and families can contact counselors directly by phone or email.  Please see contact info below.