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Counseling Mission Statement Beliefs

Vision Statement
The vision of the school counseling program at Westlawn Middle School is that ALL students acquire a sense of responsibility and accountability by way of self-respect, which will enhance their desire to develop positive relationships and contribute to a healthy school climate and society, in general.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Westlawn Middle School Counseling Program is to provide ALL students with access to a comprehensive program that addresses academic achievement, career exploration, and social/emotional growth. The school counselors collaborate with teachers, parents, and community stakeholders to advocate for access to opportunities and equity in various educational programs and meaningful interventions.  Westlawn Middle School's counselors are committed to preparing all students to meet the demands of a global society.

Counseling Belief Statements

School counselors believe:

  • EVERY student can learn, and every student can succeed.
  • Every student should have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment.
  • Every student should have the right to participate in a comprehensive school counseling program designed to assist students in attaining maximum potential in academic, career, and personal/social development.
  • Every student should have the opportunity to participate in activities that promote self-direction and self-development.
  • Every student should have the right to make choices and accept responsibility for choices made.
  • School counselors ARE leaders, advocates, and collaborators in the school, district, state, and nation.
  • School counselors will use data to design, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve the comprehensive school counseling program.
  • School counselors are an integral part of the student support team that includes teachers, parents, administrators, social workers, and community members.
  • The American School Counselor Association ethical standards guide the work of the school counseling program and school counselors.

Why Middle School Counselors?

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership is encouraged as it enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.