STMS Student Services Programs

South Tahoe Middle School

Student Services Programs

STMS is able to offer a full range of student services programs thanks in part to our two full time counselors. In addition, the Assistant Principals offer additional programs and services.

Scheduling: All scheduling questions are handled by Student Services. This includes schedule questions, problems, and changes. Student requested changes require the use of the "Schedule Change Request" form that must be signed by the teachers involved in the change and the parent. Teacher and Parent requested changes are also made through Student Services. Due to the nature of our grouping of students in Houses or Teams of teachers, schedule changes ofter result in a completely new set of teachers. Because of this, schedule changes should be avoided when possible.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conference: Our conselors are trained to help parents, students, and teachers resolve any issues in the most positive manner possible. They are happy to help mediate any conflicts whether it is between student and parent, student and teacher, or parent and teacher. Our goal is to resolve the issue keeping in mind what is best for the student.

Conflict Resolution: Each counselor is responsible for the conflict resolution process for their grade level. If a student is having a conflict, we ask that they come and make an appointment with their conselore to work out the problem. Taking a problem into ones own hands which leads to a physical confrontation will result in disciplinary action by the Assistant Principals. Using conflict resolution, however, no one gets in trouble!

Academic Progress: Student Services is in charge of evaluating the academic progress of our students. At the end of each trimester, the counselors review the progress of each student to ensure that they are progressing towards advancement to the next grade level. Students who are in danger of not advancing are given many opportunities to improve their performance or make up for past failure. The counselors are responisible for enforcing the school's and district's policies related to academic advancement including notifying students who are required to attend summer school or ASAP.

Testing Coordination: Student Services coordinates all school, district, and state testing. This includes the statewide standardized test in the spring, the Golden State Algebra Exam, the State and District Writing Assessment, the district Math Facts and End of Year Math Exams, and any other testing that comes up. If you have questions regarding any of these tests or would like specific strategies for helping your child improve their test-taking skills, please contact Student Services at 543-2290.

Wide World of Work: Student Services coordinates this successful partnership between businesses in the community and the school to give students experience in creating a resume, interviewing for a job, and seeing what it is like to work in different fields. We currently have three partnerships, Embassy Suites, Heavenly Valley Ski Resort, and Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort. Between these three events, over 150 of our students get to have this experience.

Kids Days: The Assistant Principals offer a half day "Kids Day" for all 6th grade teams. These days focus on welcoming our new students, giving them an opportunity to meet new people, and teaching them how to interact in a positive way with the students in their class and at our school. This is all done through fun and educational activities.

Bully Proofing: This program is designed to teach students the effects of bullying at school. In addition, students are shown methods of handling bullying in a non-violent manner. In particular, the three lessons focus on empowering and inspiring the by-standers who witness bullying to do something about it rather than just watch it happen. The lessons are taught by our counselors and assistant principals. While the research shows us that bullying occurs at this age level in every school in the world, our goal is to reduce its impact on our students.

School Renaissance Recognition Program: This program provides teachers and other staff with "I Got Caught" cards to give to students who do something deserving of recognition. From spontaneously picking up trash in the MPR to standing up in a positive way for another student, we have many, many students who are a positive influence on the school. Drawing are held on TTV and prizes given to the winners.

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