SCHOOL COUNSELORS’ CORNER
Find more at http://mcgee.berlinschools.org/counseling		May 2010
School Counselors’ Corner- Going ONLINE! If you would like to be a part of a list-serve to receive online notification of the school counseling department’s newsletter, as well as other important reminders and notifications that occur throughout the year, please email Allyson Mooney at amooney@berlinschools.org. This online notification system will begin in the 2010-2011 school year and, therefore, will only affect current 6th and 7th grade parents.		School Counseling Department End of the Year Calendar of Events & Dates May 21st- Rachel’s Rally- a celebration of the achievements of the Chain Links Club this year. May 27th- Grade 6 Upbeat Workshop on Respect & Responsibility May 28th- Peer Mediator Application’s Due June 3rd- Career Speaker- 2 representatives from the New Britain Rock Cats June 9th- Getting to Know You Day- welcoming incoming 5th graders to McGee School June 9th- College Knowledge Day Field Trip (grades 6-8) June 11th- 8th Grade Upbeat Workshop on High School Transition and Peer Pressure
McGee School Counselors 828-0323 Grade 6:Amy Brintle (x515)               abrintle@berlinschools.org Grade 7: Ally Mooney & Nancy Arnold (x513)               amooney@berlinschools.org               narnold@berlinschools.org Grade 8: Ann Marie Ragaglia (x 512)               aragaglia@berlinschools.org Intern:    Sarah Desmond (x204) Intern:    Edwina Newbury		Music Registration   There will be a change in the music registration process for all grade levels this year. Students will NOT receive a music registration form this year. All students will be automatically placed in the music class (band, vocal music, or general music) that they are currently enrolled in for the 2010-2011 school year. Students who would like to be enrolled in a different music class should have their parent or guardian call their grade level school counselor before the end of the school year.
Peer Mediation Attention 7th grade students!  Now is your chance to sign up to be a Peer Mediator for your 8th grade year at McGee.  As a Peer Mediator, you will get trained in how to solve conflicts with students.  We are looking for students who are good listeners, not judgmental, and offer a positive outlook.  It goes without saying that Peer Mediators should be good role models at McGee.  If you have these qualities, and like the sounds of helping others, you should give Peer Mediation a try!  Applications will be due on Friday, May 28.  See your school counselor for details.	Upbeat Summer Leadership Experience Trips Check out these trips if you are looking for a great adventure and meaningful leadership experience for your child this summer!   Saco River Canoe Expedition (June 24-28)- Paddle from Conway, NH to Hiram, ME enjoying the clear waters and sandy beaches of the Saco River. Upbeat Adventure Days (July 5-9)- A week of day-trip adventures including rock climbing, caving, geocaching, whitewater canoeing, and a high ropes challenge course. Adirondack Backpacking Expedition (July 12-16)- Spend 5 days backpacking through the Five Ponds Wilderness area and around the shores of Cranberry Lake. New York Caving Week (July 26-30)- We will camp at the Schoharie Cave Preserve in the heart of the northeast’s best caving region. Southern Adirondack Adventure Week (August 2-7)- Wild whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, geocaching for hidden treasures, and finding some of the many waterfalls and swimming holes in the area will make for a memorable week of adventure.   Contact Doug Truitt at (860)-828-7059 for additional information or if you require financial assistance. See your school counselor for more detailed descriptions and an application packet.

 

Specialty Groups

In the 2009/2010 school year the School Counseling Department is excited to be able to co-facilitate specialty groups with the school psychologist and school social worker.  Eight week groups on different topics will run throughout the year.  These groups will meet once a week during Period H. The first group that will run is a grief support group for students who have suffered the loss of a loved one in their life.  Other groups will focus on conflict resolution, shyness, health and wellness etc.  If you would like to sign your student up for the grief support group that will begin in September, please email Allyson Mooney at amooney@berlinschools.org.

Career Speakers
It is never too early to learn more about careers! Students will have the opportunity to hear from various career speakers during the school year next year.  Speakers from different career genres will visit McGee each month during Period H.  Students can sign up to listen to various speakers in the school counseling office.  Interested in sharing your career with McGee students? Contact your student’s school counselor!

 
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Parents are encouraged to contact their child's school counselor by phone or email during the school year. To find out more about the services offered to students and parents by the Counseling Department, please read the McGee School Counseling Brochure.



 

For more information about Berlin-High-School, visit the Web site: www.berlinwall.org