PONUS RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
21 HUNTERS LANE
NORWALK, CT 06850
203-847-3590
203-847-3557
203-899-2924 FAX
STAFF
Mr. G. Esposito
Head Counselor
espositog@norwalkps.org
Mrs. Teresa McKale
Counselor
mckalet@norwalkps.org
Ms. Joanna DiCerbo
Counselor
dicerboj@norwalkps.org
Lynn B. Barate
Secretary
baratel@norwalkps.org
Role of a middle school counselor:
- Establish and maintain a relationship with all students and parents for the duration of their time at Ponus Ridge Middle School.
- Works to enhance students’ self-esteem.
- Help identify needs of students.
- Promotes positive attitudes and choices by offering:
- Individual Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Peer Mediation
- Guidance Lessons
- Mentor Program
- Academic Scheduling
- Decision Making
- Self-Esteem
- Study Skills
- Anger Management
- Social Skills/Coping Skills
- Multi-Cultural Awareness
- Conflict Resolutions
- Assist students in personal goal setting
- Assist students in the decision making of options for post secondary education and future employment
- Community Service, Referrals
- Collaboration with Academic & Related Arts Teams
- Help build a positive self-awareness
- Parent Conferences
- Parent Workshops
- Visitations and meetings with in-coming 6th grade students
- Presentations of high school programs
- Meet with students to help in the selection of high school courses
- Meet with all students individually to review CMT test scores and
- Provide information about abilities, needs and interests
- Coordinate and facilitate meetings with teams and other
- School specialists
- Help coordinate students with after-school, Saturday school activities
- And much more...
We are here to help students grow academically and socially; we are:
- a resource person,
- a coordinator,
- a consultant,
- a group facilitator,
- a teacher
Please call or e-mail us in Guidance, if we can be of any help, in providing assistance, for your child to become a successful student.
Everyday tips for being a successful student
Always come to school prepared with required materials such as:
• Pen
• Pencil
• Paper
• Books
• Notebooks
• Folders, etc.
Use your planner EVERYDAY to make sure you don’t forget your homework
Establish a routine (do your homework everyday at the same time, same place and stick to it)
Turn off the TV or other potential distractions that are on
Study when you are most alert
Keep your desk uncluttered
Have everything that you need available and ready to go
Information on Career Advancement
· Academy of Information Technology and Engineering
http://www.aitestamford.net/
This school is a Magnet School located in Stamford, Ct and serves all surrounding communities of Stamford such as Norwalk, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Darien, Greenwich and Wilton. The school’s emphasis is on engineering and technology related courses that will prepare students for the ever changing technology world of the future.
· Center for Global Studies at Brien McMahon High School
http://portal.norwalkps.org/schools/bmhs/cgs/default.aspx
203 852-9488 Ext. 11007 or email cawleyl@norwalkps.org
This is an inter-district, international studies magnet school that focuses upon Arabic, Chinese and Japanese language, history and culture.
· The Stamford Regional Agriscience and Technology Center
www.stamfordpublicschools.org - www.westhillweb.com - 203-977-4974
Students will get an overview of Plant Science, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Aquaculture and Agricultural Mechanics.
- The Regional Center for The Arts, Trumbull, CT - www. ces.k12.us