Dighton Middle School
Student Services Department
Mr. Aaron Andrade - School Guidance Counselor & 504 Coordinator
Click here to access Mr. Andrade's Google Website.
Mrs. Allison Gittus - School Psychologist & Special Education Coordinator
Mrs. Tabetha Hancock - Speech & Language Pathologist
Ms. Katelyn Boyle - Special Education Secretary
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) emphasizes the notion that an effective school counselor will strive to have an impact on student growth in three domain areas: academic development, career development and social/emotional development (ASCA, 2012). School counselors recognize that students should demonstrate growth in these domains equally to be successful. School counselors understand these domains are not considered separate but are intertwined, each affecting the other (Schenck, Anctil, & Smith, 2010). Although this statement focuses on academic development, it is understood career development and social/emotional development need to be considered with equal diligence.
Middle school counselors/psychologists are professional educators who:
- have a mental health perspective
- assist students in advocating for his or her personal success
- understand and respond to the challenges presented by a variety of students
- work collaboratively with students, teachers and parents
Together our team works with students on the following supports:
Organizational, study and test-taking skills
Education in understanding self and others
Coping strategies for anxiety, stress and peer relations
Peer relationships and effective social skills
Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution
Career awareness, exploration and planning
Individual and small group counseling
Individual/family/school crisis intervention
Consultation/collaboration
Referrals