Rodney E. Thompson Middle - Counseling Center Procedures Overview

Tisha Henderson

"The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement." (ASCA, The Role of the Professional School Counselor)

Meet the Counselors

Welcome to the 2009-10 school year. Counselors are available to talk with you and/or your child concerning courses, program planning, social issues or any topic that impacts your child's learning. Our office hours are 7:50 a.m. -3:20 p.m. and are available for appointments by contacting Cathy Ortiz, counseling secretary, at 658-6420.

The counselor assignments for this year are:

Tisha Henderson-Counseling Director & 8th grade   hendersontl@staffordschools.net

Frank Stello-6th grade counselor       stellof@staffordschools.net

Terri Cox-7th grade counselor        coxtj@staffordschools.net

Cathy Ortiz-Counseling Secretary/Registrar     cortiz@staffordschools.net

THE ROLE OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR IS TO SUPPORT AND ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING BY

Serving as an advocate for the student
Promoting student academic success
Collaborating with parents,teachers, administrators, and school and community resources
Assisting students with transitional tasks and issues
Providing information and support for transfer students
Assisting in curriculum planning relative to students' educational pursuits and career goals

Bully Reporting

Anyone can make a report to a counselor at Thompson regarding a bullying incident. Witnesses or Victims may report incidences on the following secure website. Disciplinary action will be taken if any information is found to be fabricated in any way. Use the school name Thompson Middle.
www.bullyhelp.org

Class Announcements

Jag Mail

Sometimes it is hard for students to access counselors or administrators. In an effort to improve the lines of communication, we now have a Jag Mail Drop Box located by the counseling office. It is checked three times a day so we encourage students to use the box to report any concerns they may have ( or good things as well!) We just ask students to write their full name on their note.

Parent Resource Center

Email the Parent Resource Center if you are interested in a list of tutors for your student. Include your child's grade and the subject area that you would like.

Registering Your Child

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES:

Enrollments are done by appointment only. Please call the Counseling Office Secretary, Mrs. Ortiz, at 658-6420 for an appointment. You may come in from 8 to 4 to pick up an enrollment packet. Parent or legal guardian MUST register the student. Guardians and foster parents must provide proper court custody papers to register a student.

Documents Required for Enrollment:

Proof of Residency: Purchase or lease agreement, rent or mortgage statement, utlility bill or any bill with name and address on it, bank statement, auto insurance bill, or notarized Affidavit for proof of residency. (This form is provided by the school.)

Birth Certificate: A certified birth certificate is required (Code of Virginia 22.1-3.1). Hospital birth cards birth certificate cards, passports, etc. cannot be accepted . If not available, an Affidavit (form provided by the school) must be completed, signed and notarized. The Stafford Sheriff’s Office may be notified when a birth certificate is not provided within 90 days.

Immunization Requirements for all Ages:

3 DPT and OPV (one after fourth birthday)

TDAP Booster required for entry into 6^th grade if at least 5 years since last tetanus-

containing vaccine.

3 Polio

2 doses MMR

3 doses Hepatitis B (preschool through 11^th grade)

1 dose Chicken Pox/Varicella (age 5 through 4^th grade

Final Grades: report card or transcript from the previous school

IEP/504 Plan: If your child has this plan.