Coffee Counselors Slides v2 Coffee with the Counselors
Guiding Your Family Through Middle School
Counselor Identity
ASCA Standards Academic • Social • Future
"Professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to student challenges."
— ASCA National Model
We help your student feel successful and ready for what's next.
Development Experts
We understand the unique changes middle schoolers experience.
School Partners
We connect families to resources and staff to address student needs.
Class Planning & Academic Support
Picking Classes
Helping students choose electives
Assisting with schedule changes
Support for transitions
Success Strategies
Referring to tutoring
Grade check-ins
Organizational skills
Supporting Your Test-Taker
CAASPP Testing
Next 2 Weeks
Physical Readiness
Consistent sleep (9+ hours)
Balanced breakfast
Charged school laptops
Positive Motivation
Celebrate Effort
Supportive Notes
Post-Test Reward
Wellness Support
The Heart of Our Work
Individual Support
Short-term student counseling.
Small Groups
• Academic / SEL Intervention Groups
• Loveable Groups
• G.I.R.L.S Group
• Self-Awareness (Carespace)
• Be the Change Groups
Classroom Lessons
• Meet Counselor / SEL
• Warning Signs
• Academics
• Bullying Prevention
• College and Career
• Transitions
• Bobcat Day
• Course Selection
Common Transitions
Identity
Citizenship
Peer Conflict
Regulation
Crisis & Community
Intervention
Immediate student support for safety concerns or life events.
Risk Assessments
Connections
When you need more support:
Therapy Referrals
Basic Needs Help
Medical Resources
Let's Work Together
When to Contact Us
Behavior changes, transitions, or student struggles.
Communication
Email, phone, meetings, & newsletters.
You are the expert on your child.
Workshop Facilitator Guide v2 Workshop Facilitator Guide
Coffee with the Counselors Workshop
Workshop Overview
Demystify the counselor's role for families using accessible language and clear curriculum outlines.
Logistics
45-60 MINS
2-PAGE HANDOUT
Slide 1-2: Identity & Partners
Establish professional identity using the ASCA definition. Highlight the role as "Partners" who connect parents to staff and resources.
Slide 3: Class Planning & Academic Support
Success Strategies: Emphasize tutoring referrals, grade check-ins, and organizational habits.
Slide 4: Supporting Your Test-Taker
CAASPP: Next 2 weeks. Physical readiness (sleep/food) and effort-based praise.
Slide 5: Wellness Support
Discuss individual/group support and the Tier 1 curriculum:
Services:
Individual Support
Academic/SEL Groups
Loveable & G.I.R.L.S
Carespace Collaboration
Lessons:
SEL & Early Warning
Bullying Prevention
Transitions & Selection
College & Career
Page 1 of 2
Slide 6: Crisis & Community Connection
Explain the bridge to external providers (medical/mental health). Reiterate strict privacy protocols.
Slide 7: Partnering with Parents
Reiterate that parents are the expert partners. Review channels for communication.
Key FAQ Talking Points
Permanent Records?
No. Counseling notes are confidential records and do not follow them to future employers.
When to contact?
Primary triggers: sudden changes in mood, behavior, or hygiene.
Handouts Ready
Contact Info Ready
Page 2 of 2
Counseling Compass Handout v2 The Counseling Compass
Your Family's Guide to Middle School
Counselor Team
Our Mission
Middle school counselors support students' social-emotional needs, academics, and transitions. We connect families with the resources and staff needed for student success and well-being.
My Counselor:
Email:
When to reach out:
Questions about grades or placement.
Sudden mood or behavior changes.
Significant life events at home.
Concerns regarding peer conflict.
Three Pillars of Support
Academic Success
Tutoring referrals, grade check-ins, and organization.
Social Wellness
Stress management, friendships, and regulation.
Future Success
Interests, transitions, and future exploration.
Curriculum & Reflection
Individual Support
Short-term student support.
Classroom Lessons
• Meet Counselor / SEL
• Warning Signs
• Academics
• Bullying Prevention
• College and Career
• Transitions & Course Select
Small Group Support
• Academic/SEL Intervention
• Loveable Groups
• G.I.R.L.S Group
• Self-Awareness (Carespace)
• Be the Change Groups
CAASPP Readiness
Physical
• 9+ Hours of Sleep
• Healthy Breakfast
Motivation
• Focus on Effort
• Encouraging Notes
One goal for your child's experience:
Specific questions for the counselor:
"Together, we can ensure every student is supported."