SOMS Guidance Staff 2016-2017

Program of Studies Handbook 2016-2017

Continuum of Services Handbook 2016-2017

Freshman Packet Class of 2019

Response to Intervention Program
Students sometimes have difficulty achieving success in courses, finals, etc. at the middle school level. We have a program called Response to Intervention (RTI). The team of teachers, the student, the parent, the RTI chairperson, and the guidance counselor will create a plan to address the needs of the student. Each plan will be customized based on the individual student’s needs and will be coordinated by the RTI chairperson and an RTI teacher. Our goal is to increase student success. There is a direct correlation between student success in middle school and their future success in high school; therefore, the time for change is now. Additional information will be distributed to the family if any student who needs this type of help. Please contact your child’s guidance counselor for additional information.

Transition from Grade 5 (CLE) to Grade 6 (SOMS)
The counselors at SOMS and the staff at Cottage Lane work closely together to ensure that the transition from fifth grade to the middle school is as smooth as possible. Transition activities include students coming to SOMS for a tour and the “lock lesson” with SOMS counselors during the Spring of 5th grade. In late August, students are invited to Locker Day, where they can come in, find, decorate and leave supplies in their locker.

Transition from Grade 8 (SOMS) to Grade 9 (TZHS)
The SOMS and TZHS Guidance Departments work together to make sure your child’s transition from Middle to High School is smooth. Details on the schedule of orientation events and activities will be posted shortly.

Assessment Schedule for the 2016-2017 School Year 

NYS Science Assessment (Performance and Written) – Grade 8

The Grade 8 Science Written Assessment contains multiple choice, short response, and extended response questions. The Performance test (given prior to the Written Assessment) will assess student skills in using hands-on equipment and materials.

Group Counseling
A variety of counseling groups are offered through the guidance department. Group counseling provides a unique learning opportunity for students that can help them develop strategies and coping skills to better handle problems they may encounter at school or at home. The groups are facilitated by counselors and allow students the opportunity to discuss issues affecting them with their peers in a safe environment. Groups are based on students’ interests and concerns and include:

• Family Changes (separation, divorce, remarriage)
• Bereavement
• Social Skills and Friendship
• Academic Success Skills
• Choices and Making Decisions

Individual Counseling
Meeting individually with a guidance counselor is an option for every SOMS student. Counselors can offer insight and assistance to students in areas related to academic concerns, friends, school, family, and more. Counselors send out passes to meet with all students periodically throughout the year. However, if a problem arises, don’t wait for a pass! Come to the guidance office and make an appointment to speak with your counselor. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s guidance counselor at any time to discuss their concerns and to request their child have an appointment with their counselor.

Classroom Guidance Lessons
Guidance Counselors visit classrooms throughout the school year to deliver various character education lessons. During your child’s 8th grade year, counselors also visit classrooms to discuss scheduling for TZHS. Group discussions and activities in the classroom are also facilitated when teachers and administration feel that it would be beneficial to the students.

Absentee Assignment Policy
In the event of an extended absence due to illness, please call the Guidance Office at 680-1106 to request assignments. The Guidance secretary will be happy to put out a homework request for your child. Teachers have 24 hours from the time of request to submit assignments for pick up. Parents/Guardians can pick up these assignments in the Guidance Office. The student needs to be absent at least two school days in order for a formal request to be honored.

Assignments will not be provided in advance if a student is taking extended vacation time. In the case of a brief period of absenteeism, students should call a classmate for assignments. There is a page available in the student handbook to place classmates’ phone numbers for each subject area. Students are encouraged to have at least two contacts per subject area written in their student handbook from the start of the school year. Parents/Guardians should check their child’s student handbook to ensure their child obtained this information.