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Middle School Counseling

Matt Seward, Middle School Counselor

Matt Seward

matt.seward@wsr.k12.ia.us

Stephanie Bochmann, Middle School Counselor

Stephanie Bochmann

stephanie.bochmann@wsr.k12.ia.us

Individual Counseling

Both counselors work with students individually throughout the day.  Parents, teachers, or students can reach out to counselors to set up a time.  E-mail is a great way to reach us.

  •       ACADEMIC - Help with academic-related issues; schedule requests, tutoring, etc

  •       SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL - Peer conflict, stress/anxiety, grief and loss, or self-esteem/depression

Group Counseling

Groups offer the support of peers in improving social skills or getting through difficult times.

  •         FRIENDSHIP GROUPS - Your child can participate in weekly lunch groups.  The purpose is to gain         confidence, improve social skills, and make connections with an adult in the building.

  •       CHANGING FAMILIES GROUP - The purpose of this group is to help kids work though difficult transitions; death, divorce, separation, blended families, or financial situations.  Kids often find comfort in knowing they are not alone.  A group can be a powerful influence in finding peace.  

  • We are always open to the idea of other groups, for example adoption.  Please contact us!  

7-8 Advisory

Each Wednesday morning from 8:20-8:40 the counselors plan an advisory (Or homeroom) lesson for our 7th and 8th graders.  Nearly every adult in the building who works with 7th and 8th graders has an advisory group.  Each of our nearly 40 advisories has 8-10 students.  Get-to-Know-You activities, pictionary, internet safety, and inspirational videos are just some of the things we do on Wednesdays.  Students and staff see this as a weekly highlight.

Classroom Guidance

5th and 6th grade classroom guidance lessons happen every two weeks throughout the year.  Topics include bullying, friendship building, internet safety, respect, ALICE training (intruder preparation), kindness, and much more.   The lessons run 30 minutes and often involve a short video clip, an activity, or discussion.  We love this opportunity to be in each classroom every two weeks!

504 Plans

Matt Seward is the contact for 504 Plans.  What is a 504 Plan and how is this different from an IEP (or Special Education)?

The following is from the University of Washington:

504 Plan Defined    The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.IEP Defined    The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.Subtle but Important Differences
Not all students who have disabilities require specialized instruction. For students with disabilities who do require specialized instruction, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) controls the procedural requirements, and an IEP is developed. The IDEA process is more involved than that of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires documentation of measurable growth. For students with disabilities who do not require specialized instruction but need the assurance that they will receive equal access to public education and services, a document is created to outline their specific accessibility requirements. Students with 504 Plans do not require specialized instruction, but, like the IEP, a 504 Plan should be updated annually to ensure that the student is receiving the most effective accommodations for his/her specific circumstances.
For more information, consult Interrelationship of IDEA and Section 504.

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