Counseling

Gilbert Middle School’s school counseling program is comprehensive and developmental.  Our goal is to provide each student with guidance services in the areas of academics, personal/social, and career exploration.  Our program is based upon the South Carolina Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program Model and the American School Counselor Association Model.

GMS counselors will go into classrooms at all grade levels and will teach lessons on bullying, leadership skills, decision making, coping skills, communication skills, and career development. Classroom lessons are correlated to the South Carolina Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Model. The lessons are collaborative and innovative and focus on the Lexington 1 objectives of Learning to Learn, Learning to Work, Learning to Live.

Counselors at GMS offer students brief individual counseling services. Students are encouraged to express how they feel and examine their own behaviors in order to cope with friendships, family issues, behavioral issues and grief & loss. Students are sometimes referred by teachers, administrators, or peers, but they are also free to self-refer

Although personal/social issues are often approached in individual sessions, we also use groups to help students resolve and cope with these issues. The group setting offers students a supportive, encouraging environment where they are able to express their feelings with students who express the same concerns. Parent permission is always required and the group will be led and overseen by a school counselor. Topics addressed are: bullying, friendships and social skills, family changes, grief and loss, and adjusting to change. Upcoming groups will be announced through newsletters and on our school counseling homepage.

 Gilbert Middle School’s Counseling Department will be conducting Individual Graduation Plans (IGP) for all 8th grade students and their parents.  During this conference, your child’s school counselor will discuss their Naviance Assessment scores, transition to high school, and information regarding future college scholarships.  

In 6th grade we focus on career exploration through using SCOIS (South Carolina Occupational Information System) in classroom lessons, hosting a Career Day with Lexington One Technology Center, and participating in Virtual Job Shadowing.  Through these activities, students will be able to identify new and emerging occupations, sources of career information and careers based on their interest and skills.

In 7th grade students will explore the different career clusters and job opportunities through Virtual Job Shadowing and using SCOIS in classroom lessons.  Through the “Reality Check” classroom lesson, students will be able to relate the cost of living with different job salaries.

8th grade students will travel to the Lexington Technology Center, explore career clusters through Explore assessment and learn about different jobs through Virtual Job Shadowing.  Every 8th grade student will participate in an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) conference.

GMS counselors have many resources available for students, parents, and teachers. Below are some helpful links to get you started.  For more information please contact one of our school counselors.

Requirements for a High School Diploma
High School Helpful Links
CENTER STUDY PROGRAMS