Guidance and Counseling Office

Ballston Spa Middle School Counseling Department  

The vision of the Ballston Spa Middle School Counseling Program is for all students to achieve high levels of academic success and learning while fostering positive social-emotional growth.  Providing opportunities for students to be able to meet the challenges of the global workforce, be  college and career ready, self-sufficient, critical thinkers and able to problem solve independently. Students will learn how to achieve personal success and be self-motivated to become productive, responsible, compassionate contributing members in their community. School Counselors will encourage an atmosphere allowing students to attain his/her full potential. We will hold a vision that students will leave the middle school able to:

• Think creatively
• Identify and solve complex and meaningful problems
• Know their passions, strengths and challenges
• Communicate and work well with others
• Lead healthy lives
• Be ethical and caring citizens of a diverse world

Understanding the intellectual, social-emotional, and physical characteristics of the early adolescent can provide the foundation for a vision of learning and teaching in the middle grades.  The risks young adolescents face as they navigate this phase of life can be considerable as they learn to make decisions and choices that will affect their health, education and who they will become.

Young adolescents are ready to be challenged to contribute in significant ways to society. With a growing awareness of the world beyond the family, students at this age need to see and feel the relevance of their work and its connection to the outside world. Each student brings unique gifts and experiences and a capacity for learning. It is the challenge of middle school staff to create a learning environment that will allow students to flourish. 

IMPORTANT DATES