For most students, the middle school years begin a vigorous push and pull in development that continues well into high school. Intellectually ready for higher-level thinking, young teens are often more concerned with the business of emotional and social growth. They move away from the familiar cocoon of family and toward their peers while working to establish an identity that “fits” who they are and who they want to be. This is no small feat! The pull from the “group” is more powerful at this time than at any other. Middle schoolers need to know who their friends are, whether others like the way they look and dress, whether they are perceived as “cool." The negotiations of these relationships are always distracting and often overwhelming, and their effects are felt at school and at home.
The Counselor holds a unique position for middle schoolers—and their parents—as they navigate the stormy seas of adolescence. Embracing this developmental window of opportunity, Greens Farms’ counseling program offers preventative workshops and assemblies to address substance abuse, eating disorders and relational aggression, among other relevant issues. In January '11, Liz Jorgensen, CADC and psychotherapist and educator, addressed both Middle and Upper School in one such assembly. During her presentation, titled "What Your Kids Want You To Know," Ms. Jorgensen discussed risky behavior and addressed issues such as helping parents set rules and boundaries between them and their child(ren). Also Ms. Jorgensen shared advice on setting safety rules, limiting socializing, supervision and exposure to substance use. Ms. Jorgensen also spent an entire week with 8th graders to discuss various issues relating to self esteem, self image and parental expectations, just to name a few. The presentation can be downloaded from the following links:
DelayYour Gray I and
Delay Your Gray Part II.
In addition to formal assemblies, students are encouraged to meet with the Counselor individually or in groups for problems large and small. A student may personally request a meeting, or be referred by a friend, parent, or teacher. Through one-to-one meetings or as part of a larger support team, the Middle School Counselor is an integral part of Greens Farms Academy's commitment to the social, emotional and academic education of each student.
Contact info:
Elizabeth S. Day, LPC
Middle and Upper School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor
203-256-7550 (cell 667-4764)
eday@gfacademy.org