School Counseling

Rising 6th Grade
Parent Resources

The Smart’s Mill Counseling Department provides a Comprehensive Developmental Program that meets the needs of ALL students. Counselors are able to assist in individual counseling, small group counseling, and classroom guidance while consulting with teachers, administrators, and parents. School counselors offer assistance in academic, personal, social, and career areas of the school environment. 

Individual Counseling: Counselors are available to meet with students on an individual basis as needed throughout the school year.

Classroom Guidance: Counselors meet with students through large group discussions that focus on issues concerning career, academics, or personal/social issues.

Small Groups: Counselors are available to facilitate small groups that consist of 4-6 students who share the same concerns. These groups include, but are not limited to, study skills, social skills, students dealing with the effects of divorce, effective ways of managing emotions, grief and loss, etc. These groups are formed on an as-needed basis.

Students may see their counselor by filling out an appointment card, through email, or through our Schoology courses. Parents are able to call Smart’s Mill at (571) 252-2030 to schedule an appointment during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30p.m. 

2023-2024 Counseling Team

6th Grade Counselor: Mrs. Cassette (EMAIL)

7th Grade Counselor: Dr. Cassell (EMAIL)  

8th Grade Counselor: Mrs. Broad (EMAIL)

Programs Counselor: Dr. Whitehead (EMAIL) 

Counselor Request Form

school counselors logo

Vision & Mission Statement

Vision Statement

The students at Smart’s Mill Middle School are self-motivated, lifelong learners who exercise critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity to be active contributors to their school and community. The school counseling program at Smart’s Mill delivers effective, efficient, and equitable direct and indirect services to all students, promoting student academic, career, and social/emotional success. Through the school counseling program, students are knowledgeable about college and career opportunities and are able to align their strengths and passions with postsecondary choices. Students value the diversity of their peers and the world around them, understanding that they benefit by learning from the experiences of others. Students have the resilience necessary to succeed in society and positively influence their community, making meaningful contributions to the world. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Smart's Mill Counseling department is to provide a comprehensive, equitable, and data-driven counseling program that addresses the academic, career development, social and emotional needs of all students. Through individual counseling, small groups, and classroom lessons, we will support all students, promote a sense of belonging, and build a school environment focused on personal growth and academic achievement. Our team strives to empower each student to realize their potential, and to acquire the mindsets and behaviors that will enable them to make meaningful contributions to the world. We foster a safe and supportive environment through collaboration with administration, teachers, parents, and the community so that all students are given an opportunity to succeed.

Annual Counseling Calendar 

  • Annual Counseling Calendar 

    The purpose of this calendar is to provide a general overview of the counseling department's plan for lessons, groups, and school-wide initiatives.  Dates and times are subject to change.

    August:

    • Scheduling

    • 6th grade orientation (VISTA)

    • 7th grade tours for former distance learning students

    • Open house

    September:

    • Scheduling

    • Introduction to the Counselor Lessons

      • Overview of counseling services

      • Distribute information about how to see a counselor

    • New student engagement

    • Back To School Night

    • AOS/AET/TJ Information Nights and Application Process

    • Positivity Project lessons begin

    October:

    • Bullying, Sexual Harrassment, and Cyberbullying Presentations

    • Bullying Prevention Week and UNITY Day

    • Student Needs assessment

    • Small Groups Begin

    • AOS/AET/TJ Information Nights and Application Process

    • 7th Grade career lessons through FACS

    • PEER Applications

    November:

    • Academic Advising

    • Career Lessons

      • 6th Grade: Interest Inventory for Choosing Career Cluster

      • 7th Grade: Academic Career Plan

      • 8th Grade: Career Interest and College Exploration

    • Small Groups continue

    • Q1 Honor Roll Ceremonies

    • Q1 Character Counts Ceremony

    December:

    • Continue Career Lessons

    • Winter Wellness

    • CAMPUS and NJROTC Applications for 8th graders

    • Advisory Council 

    January:

    • Course Selection Lessons 

    • Implentation of Second Semester Groups

    • Career Lessons continue

    February:

    • Transition Tours for Rising 6th graders

    • Visit Elementary Schools

    • Begin scheduling for next year

    • Q2 Honor Roll Ceremonies

    • Q2 Character Counts Ceremony

    March:

    • Transition Tours for Rising 9th graders

    • Parent Information Nights for Rising 6th and 9th Graders

    • Small Groups Continue

    • Career Day

    April:

    • SOL Preparation & Support

    • Academic Advising

    • Small Groups wrap up

    • Q3 Honor Roll Ceremonies

    • Q3 Character Counts Ceremony

    May:

    • SOL Preparation & Support

    • Mental Health Awareness lessons

    • Wellness Week

    • Small Groups wrap up

    June:

    • Complete summer school registration

    • Begin schedule creation based on course selections for upcoming year

    • Expungement forms

    • Advisory Council

    • End of year awards, Honor Roll, and Character Counts ceremonies