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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
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School Counselors
Caroline O'Connor coconnor@bscsd.org Ext. 4313
Evan Osborne eosborne@bscsd.org Ext. 4311
Bill McAleese wmcaleese@bscsd.org Ext. 4319
Christina Mendelsohn cmendelsohn@bscsd.org Ext. 4312
Guidance Office Assistants
Dawn Micare dmicare@bscsd.org Ext. 4310
Laura Layer llayer@bscsd.org Ext. 4301