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Counseling
Counseling Activities
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Throughout the school year the middle school counselors plan educational activities for our students. On September 18th the seventh and eighth grade students will be receiving information on Suicide Prevention and Awareness during their health class. On September 25th the same information will be provided to the fifth and sixth grade students during their health class. The information will be provided by Burrell Behavioral Health. We as the school counselors will also be present and available during the presentation.
During the week of October 22-25 in conjunction with the teachers, all middle school students will participate in Red Ribbon Week activities. These include a drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention lesson in each class. Daily drug prevention announcements, dress up days with a drug free theme and red ribbon week bracelet to wear. We also host a food drive during that week with all donated food going to the MS food pantry or giving tree families.
On November 13th and 20th students will receive information on Sexual Abuse Prevention during their Health class. The information will be provided by ChildSafe of Central Missouri. This program is aimed at educating and empowering students, we want to provide your child with the knowledge and skills to use if they are ever affected by sexual abuse. The goal of this program is to keep your children safe.
Specific lessons are also provided at each grade level. 5th grade students take an exploratory class called Choices that cover topics such as: careers, academic skills and social/personal skills. 6th and 7th grade students receive lessons on career exploration and social/emotional skills. 8th grade students receive instruction on and complete their ICAP (Individual career and academic plan).
6th, 7th and 8th grade students also participate in programs from the Council for Drug Free Youth. These programs focus on drug, alcohol, tobacco and suicide prevention while addressing decision making and coping skills. In addition, the program encourages trust building, understanding and acceptance among peers, and communication.
In March we host Kindness week. Kindness is promoted through daily announcements, challenges for the students to complete kind actions, and the giving of kindness grams. This is a school wide activity.
Sincerely,
Christiane Goans and Marcia Bibb
CMS Counselors
Counselors
Christiane Goans
Meet Your Counselor – Christiane Goans California Middle School | Serving 5th & 7th Grade Students I’m proud to be in my 22nd year as a school counselor—and my 30th year in education overall! For the past 28 years, I’ve been fortunate to call California R-1 School District my home. During that time, I’ve had the joy of supporting students as they grow into confident, capable individuals. At California Middle School, I work specifically with 5th and 7th graders, while my colleague Marcia Bibb supports our 6th and 8th grade students. Together, we’re here to ensure all students feel seen, supported, and empowered. My passion as a counselor is to connect with students in meaningful ways. I want every student to know they are valuable, unique, and full of potential. I focus on each child’s strengths and accomplishments to help them build confidence, develop self-worth, and face life’s challenges with a positive mindset. A Little About My Background ● Bachelor of Science in Education with certifications in: Elementary Education Intellectual Disabilities Behavioral Disorders ● Master of Education in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Emphasis & Certification in School Counseling What I Do at CMS ● I teach a biweekly 5th Grade exploratory class called Choices, which follows Missouri’s school counseling learning standards. I work with a new group of 5th graders each quarter, allowing me to connect with every student as we explore important topics related to academic success, career exploration, and social-emotional development. In 2025, Missouri will be implementing updated K–12 counseling standards focused on academic, career, and interpersonal growth—including critical thinking, problem-solving, self-awareness, and building healthy relationships.
● I also provide responsive services to help students through challenges that may affect their learning or well-being. These may include academic difficulties, peer relationships, family loss, attendance concerns, stress, substance use, abuse, neglect, and more. No matter the situation, I strive to be a trusted support and advocate for my students. At CMS, I’m here to listen, guide, and empower. I feel honored to walk alongside our students during these formative years!
Christiane Goans School Counselor, California Middle School christiane.goans@californiak12.org 📞 573-796-2146