School Counseling

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CLICK HERE to download the VFMS FAQ

This FAQ provides an extensive list of resources available to students and parents of Valley Forge Middle School.

If you have questions not answered by this guide - contact your child's school counselor.

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.