PARENT NEWSLETTER  
 
 
Introduction 
 
All of us are involved in helping our students reach their goals. Parents sometimes ask what counselors do and how they help students. We perform a variety of functions at LaFayette Middle School and Academy. Most of our day is spent working with students, but we also assist administrators and parents. Services are coordinated with teachers, social workers, nurses, administrators, and community agencies. All of us work together to insure that personal and educational needs are met.  
 
Counseling Services 
 
There are three main types of counseling: 
Individual – Counselors work one-on-one with your child to help him resolve personal problems or assist him in reaching his goals. Most referrals come from the students, but some come from parents or school staff. 
Group Counseling – Small Groups meet weekly for a limited time to help each other learn better coping techniques or discuss ways of dealing with common concerns. Counselors serve as facilitators for these groups.  
Classroom Guidance – Counselors travel to the classroom on a rotating basis to present topics of interest for the entire class. Past sessions have included bullying, tolerance, study skills, career exploration, organization, disability awareness, and test anxiety/test-taking skills. 
 
Miscellaneous Duties 
 
Counselors conduct orientation sessions for new students, facilitate Response to Intervention Team meetings, and coordinate standardized testing each year. Mrs. Sara Jo McGuire assists the Walker County Truancy Treatment Team and serves on the local school In-House Truancy Committee. The county Truancy Treatment Team includes many community organizations. All have the common goal of keeping students in school. Counselors work closely with the school social worker and parents to help resolve attendance problems and coordinate referrals for child abuse or neglect. 
 
Mrs. McGuire coordinates homebound services for students who cannot attend school. She finds teachers who provide academic instruction in the home or in some other community setting. This includes students who have temporary and ongoing medical problems. 
 
Some students with medical problems can qualify for Section 504 services. These students can receive special classroom and standardized testing assistance. Dr. Danny Williams coordinates this with teachers and parents.  
 
Response to Intervention Teams work with students who are experiencing academic and behavioral problems. Some of these students may need classroom assistance, too. The Response to Intervention Coordinator, Dr. Williams, is responsible for this service. 
 
In collaboration with the middle school graduation coach, counselors provide services for at-risk students and assist these students in completing school. 
 
Counselors participate in the annual school’s Open House for parents, IEP Meetings, and other parent meetings during the school year. 
 
Counselors are directly involved in transitioning elementary school students into middle school and eighth-grade students into the high school. We coordinate several field trips during the year for this and to visit nearby colleges. 
 
Every October our school has Red Ribbon Week. Counselors are involved in promoting drug, tobacco, and alcohol awareness during this time. 
 
Please contact us at 706-638-6440 if you have questions or need assistance.