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