Counseling Office
| Name | Phone Number | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th-8th Grade Counselor (A-Li) | Amy Sharp | 510-594-2689 | asharp@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
| 6th-8th Grade Counselor (Lj-Z) | Daniel Stark | 510-594-2689 | dstark@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
| Administrative Assistant to Counselors | Caryn Palliser | 510-594-2669 | cpalliser@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
Goals of the Middle School Counselor
Middle school is an exciting yet challenging time for students, their parents and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are likely to experience:
- A need to explore a variety of interests
- Connect their learning in the classroom to practical application in life and work
- High levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth
- A search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation
- Heightened sensitivity to the comments from others
- Greater reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval
The knowledge, attitudes and skills students acquire during these years build the foundation for future success. School Counselors work to identify students’ academic and social/emotional needs, as well as provide necessary interventions, which are essential in removing barriers to learning and helping students develop skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.
The PMS Counseling team provides a proactive school program that engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and self-discovery. The team regularly collaborates with school staff, administration and community/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help set up students for success.
The School Counselor's Role
Our counseling program is an integral part of our school district’s comprehensive educational program. It addresses the needs of all students by facilitating their academic, personal, and social development; helping create positive and safe learning climates in schools; as well as helping students feel connected to peers and adults at Piedmont Middle School. At the same time, the program assists students as they face issues and resolve problems that affect their healthy development.
The program is delivered through both direct and indirect student service. Direct services include all direct contact and communications with a student(s). Indirect student services are the school counselors’ interactions with others, including referrals for additional assistance, as well as consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders in our students’ lives.
Confidentiality
The counseling relationship between students and their school counselor requires an atmosphere of trust and confidence. Students must trust the school counselor to be able to enter into a meaningful and honest dialogue with them. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality in which school counselors must inform others of information they obtained. This includes if the student may be a harm to self or others, is being harmed, or if it is legally required.
**Information on this page is from the American School Counseling Association.