• Ballston Spa Middle School Counseling Department  

    The vision of the Ballston Spa Middle School Counseling Program is for all students to achieve high levels of academic success and learning while fostering positive social-emotional growth.  Providing opportunities for students to be able to meet the challenges of the global workforce, be  college and career ready, self-sufficient, critical thinkers and able to problem solve independently. Students will learn how to achieve personal success and be self-motivated to become productive, responsible, compassionate contributing members in their community. School Counselors will encourage an atmosphere allowing students to attain his/her full potential. We will hold a vision that students will leave the middle school able to:

    • Think creatively
    • Identify and solve complex and meaningful problems
    • Know their passions, strengths and challenges
    • Communicate and work well with others
    • Lead healthy lives
    • Be ethical and caring citizens of a diverse world

    Understanding the intellectual, social-emotional, and physical characteristics of the early adolescent can provide the foundation for a vision of learning and teaching in the middle grades.  The risks young adolescents face as they navigate this phase of life can be considerable as they learn to make decisions and choices that will affect their health, education and who they will become.

    Young adolescents are ready to be challenged to contribute in significant ways to society. With a growing awareness of the world beyond the family, students at this age need to see and feel the relevance of their work and its connection to the outside world. Each student brings unique gifts and experiences and a capacity for learning. It is the challenge of middle school staff to create a learning environment that will allow students to flourish. 

     

    IMPORTANT DATES

    May 11:  Quarter 4 Interim Ends

    May 12:  BSMS Activity Night (pre-sale tickets only)

    May 17:  Quarter 4 Interims mailed/posted to SchoolTool

    May 18-19: Grade 8 Boston Trip/5th Grade tours and transition activities

    May 26:  NO SCHOOL

    May 29:  NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

    June 5: NYS Grade 8 Science

    June 15-23: Student Half Days

    June 15: NYS Algebra Regents

    June 16: NYS Earth Science Regents

    June 19:  NO SCHOOL - Juneteenth

    June 20: World Language Checkpoint A

    June 23: 8th Grade Recognition at 9am and Last Day of Classes - Q4 Ends

    June 30:  Quarter 4 Report Cards mailed/posted to SchoolTool