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Gentry Middle School Guidance Program
Middle School
All Course Catalog
6th Grade Course
Descriptions
7th Grade Course
Descriptions
8th Grade Course
Descriptions
Current 5th grader
enrollment form
Current 6th grader
enrollment form
Current 7th grader
enrollment form
Enrollment Presentations
Current 5th
grade
Current 6th and 7th grade
Overview of CPS Middle School Guidance Program
Priorities have been identified based on information
gathered after reviewing the results of the Missouri Comprehensive Student Needs
Survey which was administered to staff, parents and students. Middle School
counselors then selected the top five priorities based on survey results and
developmental needs of 6-7 grade students. The following are priorities along
with rationale for each:
Understanding/ Accepting Self
Middle School is a crucial time
for establishing positive self-esteem and identity.
Understanding and Getting Along With Others
The middle school program should
provide an opportunity for students to establish healthy relationships through
active communication and problem-solving. Taking responsibility for one’s own
behavior is stressed.
Improving Basic Skills and Study Learning Skills
Helping Students to reach their academic potential is a key to developing
self-worth and succeeding in society
Making Decisions
Learning effective decision-making
skills is the foundation for life-planning and preparation.
Planning and Developing Careers
Career exploration is an ongoing
process. Activities at the middle school level help students to consider their
interests, skills and goals in planning for their future.
Career Activities
7th Grade
Career Day
Seventh grade students have the opportunity to hear speakers from different
careers during their electives class time on Career Day. This activity is
organized by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee in
cooperation with the Gentry guidance department and the Elective team. Speakers
from area businesses and organizations are invited to speak to students about
their careers. Presenters representing the six Career Paths will share
information about the unique aspects of their occupation, training and
education, and general job duties.
6th Grade
Students are introduced to Career Paths and are involved in several activities
that encourage them to explore their own interests and career goals.
Students are taught how to navigate through the Career Futures Computer Program
to gain occupational information. After researching several careers, paying
attention to tasks performed, career path, occupational outlook, training and
salary, they print information on the career of their choice. They understand
that they will be basing their portfolio on this career.
On day two students are introduced to resumes. They learn that a resume reflects
the student’s past experiences, abilities, honors and personal information. They
learn the importance of highlighting their strengths. They also learn the
importance of keeping a file of their activities and honors. Students actually
create a personal data sheet on The Career Futures Program and include it in
their portfolio.
The business teacher completes this unit by teaching the students to make
business cards and letterhead stationary that go along with their career. They
include a Power Point page that includes the 6 Career paths and careers in the
Career Path of their choice that they like
Getting Along With Self and Others
7th Grade
Sexual Harassment - Students gain information regarding harassment by watching a
video and through small group activities. The video and activities define
harassment and stress that harassment, in or out of school, is both demeaning
and wrong. It shows harassers how their behavior hurts other people and details
the steps schools and students can take to bring sexual harassment to a halt.
The Columbia Public School policy is shared with all students.
6th Grade
Character RRKS ½ day workshop - Character is who you are---the combination of
traits and qualities that define a person. The goal of this interactive 3-hour
workshop is to emphasize the IMPORTANCE of these character traits in a young
person’s life:
Respect - for self, others, planet, environment, school
Responsibility - as a student, friend, family member
Kindness – using considerate words and actions
Safety – avoiding harm and injury
Stress Management Lesson in Family
and Consumer Sciences Class. Students define stress as it relates to 6th
graders, learn the effects it has on relationships and their health and learn
stress reduction and management techniques.
Harassment Activities -Students view a video which teaches them about the
harmful effects of harassment, not only on the individual but on the school
community as a whole. The teacher leads discussion regarding harassment, what to
do if one is harassed and how to help others. School policy is shared.
Individual Planning
7th Grade
8th grade enrollment and transition activities - The seventh grade counselor
coordinates transition and enrollment activities. Junior High counselors are
invited to Gentry to implement enrollment activities. The counselor works with
individual students to build a schedule that meets their needs.
6th Grade
The counselor meets with each team to go over enrollment information and to
implement the enrollment process. The counselor meets with individual students,
as needed, to build a schedule that meets their needs.
System Support
Professional Development - Counselors are involved regularly in updating their
professional knowledge and skills. They participate in school in-service, state
conferences, national conferences and contribute to professional literature.
Staff and Community Relations- The counselors write newsletter articles to
inform parents about guidance activities.
Community Outreach- Counselors make contact with community resources in order to
gain information about their services for future use with students.
Program Management and Operations- The counselors plan and manage the tasks
needed to support the guidance program
Research and Development- Guidance program evaluation and data analysis of
guidance learning activities takes place yearly.
New student/family orientation –The counselor welcomes new students and parents.
Activities include a school tour and sharing information regarding Gentry policy
and procedures. Trained student ambassadors assist the guidance counselor during
transition activities.
Standardized Testing Program management and implementation
Responsive Services
Consultation: Counselors consult with parents, teachers, other educators, and
community agencies regarding strategies to help students.
Personal Counseling: Counseling is provided on a small-group or individual basis
for students experiencing difficulties dealing with relationships, personal
concerns, or normal developmental tasks..
Crisis Counseling: Counseling and support are provided to students and their
families facing emergency situations. Such counseling is normally short term and
temporary in nature. When necessary, appropriate referral sources are used.
The counselors serve on the Crisis Management Team and help plan, implement and
assess the effectiveness of the building crisis plan.
Mentoring Program - The counselor helps to facilitate various mentoring
programs. i.e. Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based program, Stand By Me, Woman
of Worth
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