The school counselors at Henry James provide a Developmental Guidance Curriculum to 7th and 8th grade students. They plan and implement these lessons in connections, small groups, team groups, and during regular class time.

School counselors create developmental guidance lessons with the needs of all students in mind and work with students to create academic and personal goals, and to identify each student’s skills and learning styles. These topics are integrated into the curriculum and reinforced by teachers.

• Successful transitions
• Goal-setting and course selection
• Career exploration
• Test-taking and study skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Appreciation of diversity
• Bullying and teasing

Every student in grades 6, 7, and 8 develops a Personal Learning Plan with the assistance of school counselors. Middle school students answer survey questions through the online program called Naviance Family Connection. The questions prompt students to identify strengths and weaknesses, to develop short- and long-term personal and academic goals, and steps to reach those goals.

The program will be utilized by counselors, administrators, families, and students throughout their middle and high school careers.

All seventh and eighth graders have one of three school counselors for their two years at Henry James. Students meet with their counselor for a variety of reasons, including course selection and planning, goal-setting, academic concerns, and schedule changes. School counselors aim to support students to help them make appropriate choices in the academic, personal/social, and career domains.

Middle school students often have concerns about their transition, family, and friends. Students are encouraged to speak to their counselor one-on-one, as they are trained to give assistance on these issues. School counselors respond to the social emotional needs of all students as needed through several types of services.

Through responsive services, school counselors partner with Henry James students to establish connections, meet their challenges, and develop their character. Counselors also work collaboratively in consultation with outside support persons to provide as safe and productive a school environment as possible.

Individual Counseling

Counselors are available to meet with students that require confidential, one-on-one support to address any academic, personal or social area of concern.

Small Group Counseling

School counselors offer groups as needed during the year that address a variety of topics, including stress management, anger management, coping with divorce, etc. Students may refer themselves or be referred by a parent/guardian or faculty member.

School counselors employ their training as needed to assist other support team members to address any urgent situations that arise, in order to ensure student safety.

System support includes the activities and programs implemented by the Counseling Department to support the growth of Henry James’s students, community outreach, and collaboration with faculty and other professionals.

The middle school teaming model employed at Henry James allows school counselors to readily partner with administrators, support staff, and teachers to support students.

Hands-up – Counselors meet with each team weekly to discuss all students’ challenges and successes. Team members identify student concerns (academic, personal/social, and behavioral) and develop appropriate interventions.

Conferences – School counselors consult daily with parents and teachers. Conferences may be scheduled by contacting either the student’s team leader or counselor. Individual and/or group meetings may be arranged by calling the student's teacher or team leader.

Transitional activities for students new to Simsbury

As part of the registration process, students new to Simsbury are invited to return in late August. This allows the students to review their schedule, try their locker and meet with other new students.

Individual meetings are scheduled by counselors with new students, to share experiences and feelings about their new school.

Orientation of 6th graders

In the spring the counselors and administration host an orientation program and tours of our school for 6th graders. Visits are scheduled to meet with each 6th grade class at their elementary school to introduce themselves to students who will be assigned to them in grade 7. All incoming grade 7 students will participate in an orientation program on the first day of school.

Leadership Academy

The school counselors at HJMS have offered the Leadership Academy each spring to grade 7 students for the past several years. This program has grown in numbers and popularity since its origin. The curriculum consists of topics such as communication, tolerance, conflict resolution and ethical leadership and offers a variety of leadership opportunities in 8th grade for those students who complete the 7th grade program. The Academy meets bi-monthly after school, from 2:20-3:30 PM, for approximately 10-15 sessions during the winter/spring semester. Additional activities and instruction are also given during homeroom sessions.

Lunch ‘n Learn

Spring activity collaborated with the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce to expose students to a variety of career possibilities. Students eat lunch with community mentors and learn about their careers.