C.J. Hooker MS Guidance Department - Goshen Central School District

Counseling Services | Intermediate to Middle School Transition | Middle to High School Transition

Guidance counselors at the C.J. Hooker Middle School work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers and other professionals in order to guarantee a successful middle school experience for our students and ensure success in academic, social/emotional, behavioral, and personal development.

Guidance counselors are New York State certified professionals whose role is to identify and address student needs through the use of a comprehensive school counseling program geared towards student success. In addition, guidance counselors serve as an important source of information, resources, and referrals. Students and parents are encouraged to contact their guidance counselor for assistance and to discuss any concerns that they may have, at any time.

Guidance counselors provide support in many areas, including:

Fostering positive peer relationships
Encouraging appropriate decision making skills
Providing communication and conflict resolution skills
Assisting with coping strategies and problem solving
Encouraging self awareness and acceptance
Teaching organizational and time management skills
Reinforcing academic support skills
Providing crisis intervention for students
Acting as a liaison between school and home

Counseling Services

Group Counseling

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)
Social skills and friendship
Academic success skills
Choices and decision-making

Individual Counseling

Meeting individually with a guidance counselor is an option for every CJH student. Counselors can offer insight and assistance to students in areas related to academic concerns, friends, school, and family. 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.

Peer Mediation

Peer Mediation is a great way for students to resolve their conflict with fellow peers. The peer mediators are students who have applied to become a mediator and have taken the peer mediation training. Peer mediators work in pairs to help fellow students resolve their conflict peacefully. During peer mediation, a guidance counselor is always present. Everything said in mediation is kept confidential. To arrange a mediation, please visit the guidance office for a mediation request form.

Intermediate to Middle School Transition

When fifth grade students prepare for their transition to the middle school, sixth grade teachers, counselors, and administrators collaborate to determine class placements for each student. Students are spread evenly in classes regardless of ability.

View the incoming 6th grader orientation presentation for students and guardians.

Middle to High School Transition

In January and February each year, high school counselors will visit the middle school and help eighth graders begin their transition to high school. Counselors will conduct presentations to students to review high school courses, requirements for graduation and components of getting involved and being successful high school students. Parents and guardians of eighth graders are invited to attend 8th Grade Parent Night. Following these two presentation events, students will have the opportunity to choose their initial course selections for 9th grade. Middle school counselors will meet with students to address any questions or changes to course selections. Students can make changes to their initial selections until April 30th.

View Grade 9 Course Offerings