The Mountain Trail Middle School team consist of helping professionals who are readily available to assist you and your child when problems arise at school. However, your child's teachers should be contacted with grading, homework, and general adjustment issues. (See Faculty tab for teacher email & webpages)

What is the student counselor program?

The MTMS Student Counselors are two of the most accessible adults on the campus. They understand that high visibility and easy access are the key ingredients to making the counselor program work. Counselors can be found out and about the campus before and after school. They also take the opportunity to spend time in the cafeteria each day. They are on call to assist students troubled by social, academic, emotional or family problems. The counselors monitor student progress and intervene when corrective action is needed. The counselors work in conjunction with parents and staff to provide the best possible middle school experience.

What services do the counselors provide?

~Provide services to prepare students for transition as they move through the                                                    

   school system.

~Advise students with educational planning and schedules.

~Assist students in problem solving academic and social concerns.

~Monitor student progress and help design student action plans.

~Confer with parents, teachers, and students regarding educational planning and

   problematic issues.

~Provide student crisis counseling and referral of student and parents to outside

   agencies when necessary.

~Conduct mediation and conduct weekly talk groups for students.

~Interpret data collection in student's cumulative folder.

~Conduct programs such as: career planning, parenting, and prevention.

~Serve as a resource and support to parents and staff.

~Consult with the school psychologist, school nurse and other related service                         

   personnel.

What are talk groups?

There are many types of groups and they are conducted throughout the school year and last approximately 6 weeks. Groups consist of approximately 6 - 8 students who are selected on the basis of self, teacher, or parent referral. Group meeting times will vary to ensure that students do not miss the same class each week. Groups are voluntary and students may withdraw upon request.

Student talk groups are an integral part of the advisement program. These groups are not intended to be therapeutic experiences. Groups simply provide an opportunity for students to talk with their peers about issues. Trained facilitators guide the group process. Groups provide: a nurturing place for students to interact with their peers and problem solve developmental issues, a safe way for students to get to know one another, a place for students to learn positive support skills, a means to enhance belonging, self confidence, and esteem, a forum to develop a sense of understanding of others, and a guided practice in mediation, problem solving, and social skills.