Bruce Whittier Middle School - School Counselor

School Counseling Mission

The school counseling program in RSU #16 supports student academic, personal/social, and career success. Through collaborative partnerships with staff, parents and community, the school counseling program promotes equity and access for students as they make important decisions about post-secondary options and life-long learning that will assist them in reaching their full potential as citizens of their community.

Developmental School Counselor Philosophy

A comprehensive School Counseling Program uses a holistic approach in actively assisting students to develop ideas, goals, and objectives, which will help them gain greater independence, self-knowledge, and self-esteem. A School Counseling Program must begin in kindergarten and continue through grade 12 with the focus of services being prevention rather than remediation. The School Counseling Program is an integral part of the total educational program for all students; its success depends upon the combined efforts of the entire school community. The School Counseling Program is carefully planned, systematically implemented, and reflects current developments in the field.
Goals and objectives for the School Counseling Program are based on the belief that each student has a unique combination of needs, interests, abilities, and developmental issues which impact academic, personal and social growth. This program will contribute to the growth and development of all students by striving to equip them with the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to thrive in the world in which they live and work. The School Counselor related needs of students, can be grouped as follows:

1. Personal and social development
2. Educational development
3. Career development

The Program provides counseling, consultation, appraisal, information and referral in support of these needs.