Guidance

The Role of the School Counselor

Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.

Making Appointments

Parents or guardians who would like to meet with their child's appointed guidance counselor email them directly to set up a virtual appointment. You can reach Middle School guidance counselor Ms. Cooper at rcooper@sccsbrooklyn.org and High School guidance counselor Ms. Burdier at vburdier@sccsbrooklyn.org. You can also reach our school social worker Mr. Browne at tbrowne@sccsbrooklyn.org to set up a meeting.

Middle School

Ms. Rayana Cooper
Middle School Counselor
rcooper@sccsbrooklyn.org

Tel. 718.688.7200 ext. 3283

Ms. Crystal Moss
Middle School Counselor
cmoss@sccsbrooklyn.org

Tel. 718.688.7200 ext. 3283

Middle School Students' Developmental Needs

Middle school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests, connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme sensitivity to the comments from others; and heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval.

The Middle School Counseling Program

Middle School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum
- Academic skills support
- Organizational, study and test-taking skills
- Education in understanding self and others
- Coping strategies
- Peer relationships and effective social skills
- Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution
- Career awareness, exploration and planning
- Substance abuse education
- Multicultural/diversity awareness
Individual Student Planning
- Goal-setting/decision- making
- Academic planning
- Career planning
- Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
- Transition planning
Responsive Services
- Individual and small group counseling
- Individual/family/school crisis intervention
- Peer facilitation
- Consultation/collaboration
- Referrals
- System Support
- Professional development
- Consultation, collaboration and teaming
- Program management and operation

Why Middle School Counselors?

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success.

Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling.

Respect for All

The NYC DOE is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and/or bullying and from discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, citizen-ship/immigration status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or weight.

For more information and resources on Respect for All, please view the NYCDOE page on Respect for All.