The Guidance Counselor’s Corner:
Who am I?
Hi! I am Erica DeVoti, your child’s school guidance counselor. I am thrilled to be the counselor here at the junior high and I love working with 7th and 8th graders! The middle school age is an exceptional (and often trying) stage for youth and (parents!) and one can often use all the support he or she can get at this time of life.
My school counseling experience has been almost exclusively with this age group, working in schools in Massachusetts, New York, and most recently New Mexico. I have learned a thing or two over the years and am happy to meet with any student or parent regarding any challenges they may be facing at this time of the youngster’s life. Working together between home and school is certainly beneficial to your child.
Do you remember your junior high (middle school) years? Most of us would not want to return to that time of our lives. Though adolescents are individually unique, they also have some common characteristics which they share with others their age. This includes:
v Having high levels of physical and emotional energy, which may contrast with long periods of idleness (generally disapproved of by adults)
v They take risks, are curious, and love danger and adventure, yet their feelings can be hurt easily. This is a time when they feel immortal, but they worry a lot about what their friends think about them
v They want to be independent from their families, and at the same time, they need want/need to be pampered and protected
v They withdraw and want a private life, and at the same time, they worry about being accepted by their peers
v They demand privileges but avoid responsibilities. At the same time, they are developing an awareness of social problems and the welfare of others.
What Does A School Counselor Do?
I am available to your child through various services. These include:
v Promoting positive self-concept and attitudes throughout the student body
v Consulting with teachers and parents in helping students achieve their highest potential
v Assist students with concerns and issues that are related to the natural process of “growing up” and the stresses that go with it
v Helping the students make positive choices
v Coordinating the efforts of other school specialists such as teachers, school psychologists, etc…
v Providing a safe environment for students where they can express their concerns
As an involved parent, you may wish to contact me about any of the following regarding your child:
Social adjustments; Health concerns; Family issues; School progress; Behavior management; Educational and career planning; Arranging conferences and referrals; Crisis issues; Information on outside agencies
I am available during regular school hours—please feel free to call me at
#264-2794 extension #439 to set up an appointment or to discuss your concerns.
| 
District Home Page
