Guidance and Counseling

Our program focuses on the rapidly changing needs of the adolescent as he or she struggles to achieve a balance between academic achievement, educational decision-making, and personal and social development.  The curriculum seeks to reinforce social competence, problem-solving skills, autonomy and a sense of purpose.  Under the guidance of Mrs. Gila Landman, students are encouraged to participate in Chesed and team-building activities, group and individual sessions, and special programs during and after-school that center on individual and group dynamics.Specific competencies for students in the middle school include:

Academic Achievement

Students will appreciate the value of learning and maximize their individual learning potential through (1) Awareness of individual learning styles, (2) Development of good study habits (in conjunction with our Study Skills program) and (3) Promotion of self-advocacy skills and individual responsibility for learning and achievement.

Personal Development

Students will increase their awareness of self and take responsibility for their physical and emotional well-being through:

Health Education and Family Life 

~Understanding the changes in adolescence and the importance of proper nutrition, exercise and spiritual values at this time of transition.

~Development of skill in optimistic interpretation of life’s challenging events.

~Appreciation of strengths and weaknesses. Understanding stress triggers and developing skills in stress management.

~Social Development:  Students will increase their knowledge and skill in forming and maintaining positive social relationships through:

~Communication: Development of appreciation and skill in the areas of receptive and   expressive language, both verbal and nonverbal.

~Group Dynamics:  Understanding the positive and negative impact of the group on individual behavior; development of strategies to resist negative group pressure.

~Conflict Resolution: Analyzing the causes of conflict; developing skills for resolving conflict creatively.