School Counseling
VFMS Counseling Department for 2026-27
5th Grade |
6th Grade |
|---|---|
|
Mr. Bob Sola |
Mr. Andy Mullen
610-240-1319 |
|
|
|---|---|
|
610-240-1314
|
610-240-1317
|
Mental Health Specialist |
|---|
|
610-240-1340
|
Click on a tab to view more about what we do.
General Information
The Role of the School Counselor
School counselors are professionally trained specialists with strong backgrounds in the behavioral science and human relations. Counselors are specialists in identifying school and personal problems, helping students deal with social and emotional issues, and in facilitating the planning of current and future education. They teach classroom lessons on grade-specific topics and facilitate small needs-based groups.
With Whom Does the Counselor Consult?
The counselors meet weekly with the core team teachers, specials teachers, and foreign language teachers. They discuss individual students and look for patterns in behavior. Counselors also serve as a guide and support for parents. They consult with administrators, outside counselors, and our school psychologist.
What Does the School Counselor Do?
- Meets with students individually and in groups.
- Aids teachers and parents in helping children.
- Orients and schedules new students.
- Coordinates standardized testing programs.
- Maintains student records.
- Assists in the psychological evaluations of students.
- Teaches classroom lessons and facilitates small groups on decision making, social skills, career exploration, goal setting, etc.
- Assists in identifying students with special needs.
- Coordinates team meetings with teachers and parents.
- Assists parents in accessing community resources.
- Sponsors the Peer Mediation and Golden Eagle Programs.
- Sponsors grade level community service projects.
Groups Available for VFMS Students
- Changing Families
- Self-Esteem
- Grief & Loss
- Concerned Persons
- Friendship/Social Skills
*If you are interested in having your child join a group, please call your counselor.
Call your child's counselor if...
- You want information on your child's progress in school.
- You want to schedule a conference with you child's teachers or school psychologist.
- You wish to share information with school personnel.
- You want standardized test scores interpreted.
- You wish to discuss the special needs of you child.
- You have any questions at all - if we don't know the answer, we can point you in the right direction.
Course Selection 2026-2027
Course Selection 2026-2027
Course Selection opens on Monday, May 18, 2026 until Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm. This is not a first come, first serve system.
The process is accessed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Visit the course selection files for 2026-2027 for all associated materials.
Specific questions about your child's courses can be directed to their counselor.
Advisory Extensons
More details about advisory extensions in the extensions tab.
Changes to Recommended Courses
If you would like to change a recommended course, please complete the changes to recommendations form. For Course Selection, please select the recommended course, changes to a recommended course will be completed at the conclusion of the course selection window.
Tutorial
A tutorial video on how to select courses is posted in the next section. This is an interactive tutorial video that allows you to click through the process. Although the example is for rising 5th grade, it is the same process for all grades.
Tutorial for Course Selection
If it does not load properly, visit: Course Selection Tutorial
Advisory Extensions
Click on a tab learn more about each extension.
ART
Grade 5
Drawing: “Make Your Mark,” get set, go!
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters.
DESCRIPTION: Dive into the world of drawing and most importantly, enjoy the process! Explore a variety of drawing techniques using graphite pencils, colored pencils, and pastels. Narrate stories and convey ideas as you take your drawing skills to the next level! Every masterpiece begins with a mark- so let’s get set and go!
Grade 6
Painting: Concept to Canvas
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters DESCRIPTION: In this art extension, we will explore the colorful world of painting! Using traditional and non-traditional painting tools, students will convey ideas through a variety of watercolor and tempera techniques. This extension is all about using your imagination while creating colorful and creative works of art!
Grade 7
Mixed Media: Exploring “Works on Paper”
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters.
DESCRIPTION: Get ready for an awesome art adventure and “visual treat” as we explore the exciting world of mixed media, collage and “works on paper.” Learn about texture and layering as we combine materials from cardboard and magazines, to photos, printed images, and found objects while creating original and eye-popping works of art.
Grade 8
Studio Workshop: Unleashing Your Inner Artist
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters.
DESCRIPTION: Are you ready to take your art skills to the next level? In this art extension, you will identify the subjects you most want to explore while developing your individual artistic style. Through personalized projects, exploration of multiple art mediums, and feedback, students will develop a body of work which showcases their unique ideas, individual creations and personal, artistic growth.
MUSIC
Grade 5
Beginner Band
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall Semester only
DESCRIPTION: This is an opportunity for students who want to learn a band instrument but did not begin in the fourth-grade band program. This Beginner Band program offers students a second chance at learning a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument with the goal of joining the Concert Band when they are ready. Students will learn to read musical notation, as well the fundamental techniques of the instrument. Instruments include flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, baritone horn, trombone, mallet percussion and snare drum. Students will be responsible for obtaining an instrument, either through a rental program or through the school’s free FLITE program. Students will be expected to practice at home. During the spring semester, these students would move into a regular instrumental music sectional in the pull-out rotation.
Percussion Performance Ensemble
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Spring semester only
DESCRIPTION: This is an opportunity for students to strengthen their ability to read and play music from a variety of genres using Orff classroom instruments such as xylophones, metallophones, congas, triangles, hand drums, tambourine, wood blocks, etc. Students will work together to perform pop songs, world music, traditional xylophone music and other styles.
Grade 6
Electronic Music Production
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters
DESCRIPTION: This is an opportunity for students to explore the vast world of electronic music making. Students will dive deep into Soundtrap, as well as other electronic music programs, learning specific functionality of the music software on their individual laptops. Time will be allotted for individual exploration and composition as well.
Grades 7 & 8
Modern Band
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters
DESCRIPTION: During the Modern Band extension, students will play instruments typically used in rock and pop music, including drum set, guitar, bass, keyboards and voice. Prior experience is beneficial, but not necessary. Students will learn instrumental techniques and will focus on learning specific rock and pop songs in the classroom setting.
Electronic Music Production
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters
DESCRIPTION: This is an opportunity for students to explore the vast world of electronic music making. Students will dive deep into Soundtrap, as well as other music programs, learning specific functionality of the music software on their individual laptops. Time will be allotted for individual exploration and composition as well. This extension is open to beginners AND students with prior experience using various electronic music applications.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Grades 7 & 8
Team Sports
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters
DESCRIPTION: Get ready for some friendly competition in this exciting extension, where you’ll have the chance to dive into a variety of team sports, including basketball, floor hockey, team handball, soccer and more! This extension focuses on teamwork, strategy, and skill-building through fun, competitive-style play. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, you'll learn new techniques, improve your coordination, and develop your sportsmanship.
Throughout the semester, you’ll participate in both indoor and outdoor small-team tournaments, competitions and challenges, fostering a supportive, active environment where everyone can have fun and grow. It's the perfect opportunity to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy a little healthy competition!
Lifetime Activities and Sports Extension
SCHEDULE INFORMATION: 2 times per 6-day cycle; Fall & Spring semesters
DESCRIPTION: In this fun and engaging extension, students will explore a variety of lifetime sports and activities designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and a lifelong love for movement. Whether it’s pickleball, badminton, mountain biking, or mind and body exercises, this extension will introduce students to activities they can enjoy well beyond middle school. Through hands-on learning, students will develop skills in individual and lifetime fitness, while emphasizing personal growth, sportsmanship, and the importance of staying active throughout life. No prior experience needed – just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things!
Transition to CHS for Fall 2026
Important Dates & Info for 8th Grade Transition to Conestoga High School
CHS Course Selection Night on 1/29
Link to the CHS department chair, school, and counselor PowerPoints:
https://stoga.tesd.net/student-services/overview/course-selection-information
2026-2027 CHS Program of Studies
https://stoga.tesd.net/academics/program-of-studies
** please make sure your student keeps their Program of Studies booklet in their bookbag or locker for the presentations on CHS presentations on 2/10 and 2/11.
EVENTS
Tuesday, February 10 (parent event)
Conestoga Special Areas and Core Class Department Chairs visit VFMS and make presentations to our students regarding course offerings, credit requirements, and other curricular information.
Special Areas: 8:37am - 9:22am (1st period, VFMS auditorium)
Core: 1:35pm - 3:10pm (7th & 8th period, VFMS auditorium)
**Students should have their Program of Studies booklet with them.
Wednesday, February 11
8:30am, VFMS Cafeteria
8th Grade Parent-CHS Counselor ‘Coffee’: CHS counselors visit with 8th grade parents for an informal presentation and Q&A session about transition to CHS – and all related events and deadlines.
Wednesday, February 11
CHS counselors visit VFMS 8th graders and go over, in detail, the Conestoga course selection process.
**Students should have their program of Studies booklet with them.
January 30 – February 13 (parent event)
8th grade teachers will upload core class recommendations into the PowerSchool teacher recommendation portal.
February 6 – 21 (parent event)
Students and parents finalize course choices for 9th grade in the PowerSchool student portal.
June
8th Grade Graduation