Washington Middle School Counseling

The three grade-level counselors are visiting each of the LA classes in their grade to introduce themselves and explain our services. These 15 minute intros at the beginning of the year remind students about our goals for them (safety, learning, social connections, fun, planning, etc.), review confidentiality guidelines, describe issues students bring to our offices, and tell students how to get in touch with us. There is then a question and answer period. We reach virtually every student in the school in this way, and demystify the counseling process, thereby (we hope!) making us more accessible and useful to the students.

College Bound Scholarships are open to any middle-school student in a low-income home or foster care. In exchange for pledges to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average through high school and stay out of trouble with the law, the state will pay for up to four years of tuition and books at any accredited public or private college, community college or vocational/technical program in Washington.

Students must apply while in the seventh or eighth grade. The scholarship doesn’t guarantee acceptance to a particular college, and the student’s eligibility hinges on his or her family’s financial status at the time of graduation. These caveats aside, this is an almost unbelievable opportunity for students to acquire a 4-year college degree, especially for those for whom such a goal seemed unattainable for financial reasons.

For more information and to get applications, speak to your grade-level counselor, or go online to the College Bound web site.

Over 1,000 energetic middle schoolers enjoyed the new floors, shades, lockers and fresh paint of the newly-remodeled Washington Middle School on their first day of the 2008-2009 school year. Great weather, lots of parent volunteers, PTSA support, and a well-prepared staff made for smooth sailing. Positive comments from students and parents lifted our spirits, and helped us through some difficulties with end-of-the-day transportation. Everyone made it through, and if the first day is any indication, we have a terrific school community to look forward to this year.