Guidance Department Overview

There is one counselor assigned to each grade. This counselor remains with their students throughout 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

The counselor responsible for special programs coordinates small groups, standardized testing and classroom guidance in all three grades.

Cynthia Ushler• Penn State University

B.S. Elementary Education• University of North Carolina

M.Ed Elementary and Secondary Guidance

• PA Teaching Certification: Elementary Education - Instructional II

• PA Certification: Educational Specialist II (Elementary and Secondary Counseling)

Andrew Osborne

• West Chester University B.A. Psychology

• West Chester University M.A. Clinical Psychology

• Temple UniversityM.Ed. Education

• Temple UniversityPh.D. School Psychology

• PA Certification: Educational Specialist II(Secondary Guidance and School Psychology)

• PA Licensed Psychologist

Judith Silver• Penn State University

B.S. Education• Villanova University, Graduate

School of Education M.A. Counseling

• PA Teaching Certification: Elementary Education - Instructional II

• PA Certification: Educational Specialist II (Elementary Counseling)

Rebecca Lenthe• Lawrence University

B.A. Psychology• University of

Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education M.S.Ed. School Counseling

• PA Certification: Educational Specialist II (Secondary Counseling)

Counseling Identification and

Intervention

Consulting Collaborative

Problem-Solving

Coordinating Liaison for all

facets of a student’s life

Individual– Academic

– Social/Emotional

– Family Issues

– Decision Making

Group– Small Groups: Changing

Families, Self-Awareness, Anger Alternatives, Grief and Loss, Friendship

– Classroom Guidance: Decision Making, Conflict Resolution, Respect

Parents Academic concerns Family relationships Peer relationships Behavior management Referrals to outside agencies

Teachers/Team Meetings Collaborate with teachers to addressconcerns about students with academic,social, and behavioral issues Identify students who are “at-risk” Develop and implement intervention

plans

Student Resource Team

Counselors, Teachers, Parents, Students and School Psychologist collaborate to identify, implement, and monitor specially designed interventions for students with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.

Administrative

KATS

(Keith Valley Assistance Team

for Students)

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

Orientation of New Students

Multi-Disciplinary Evaluations for Special Services (Gifted, LS, ES)

Standardized Testing (PSSA)

Transition into KVMSMeet with elementary

counselors and 5th grade teachers

Assist in determining academic levels of each student

Host student orientation

Transition into HHHSMeet with high school

counselorsAssist in determining

academic levels for placement

Organize student orientation program

Assist students with 9th grade course selection

Scheduling• Assist with building the

master schedule

• Balance variables such as: Academic Levels Needs of Students Class Size Special Placements Individual Requests

The counselors at Keith Valley are committed to supporting, helping, and

guiding the students, families, and teachers during this very

important transitional period.

As an integral member and a key component of

the educational team, each counselor attempts to

promote an awareness of and sensitivity to the unique needs of each

student at Keith Valley Middle School.