Mrs. Holm's Education Background:  

South Dakota State University:  Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Human Resource Development, May, 1997

South Dakota State University: Bachelor of Arts.  Majoring in Psychology and Secondary Education, teaching and coaching certification, May 1993

Experience:

I have been a school counselor since 1997 (two years in Minnesota and eight years in Brookings, SD)

Mr. Adamson has been a school counselor for fourteen years.

Vision:  Mickelson Middle School will be a high achieving middle school.

In order to achieve this we have high expectations of ourselves and our students.  Our long range plans include:

• striving for high academic achievement
• promoting a positive and supportive school climate
• forging a strong link with our community, including South Dakota State University.

School counselors are here to help each student achieve and have a worthwhile experience at MMS

Mrs. Holm and Mr. Adamson serve as sources of information and support for students and parents.  They also work on various school and community committees to insure a student-centered approach will be considered in any plans.

The Role of the Counselor:

Counselors are developmental guidance specialists who assist students with educational, personal and social development.  We provide support and skills training to help students and parents through the middle years.  Counselors provides developmentally appropriate assistance to all students as well as specialized assistance for individual problems and issues.

Services provided:

• Counseling Services
• Individual counseling is available by appointment when requested by the student, teacher, or parent
• Group counseling every quarter. Various groups are offered each year depending on need and interest.
• Classroom guidance is utilized by teachers at all levels and covers developmentally appropriate material concerning sexual harassment, career exploration, interpersonal skills, and conflict management.
• Coordinating Services

We also coordinate guidance activities such as testing, student scheduling, interdisciplinary units in classrooms, transitional classes and activities, referrals to community agencies, referrals for students' special needs, and career information.
 

Consulting Services

Counselors act as consultants and specialists with teachers, parents, law enforcement (Officer Joe), school psychologists, administrators, and outside specialists.
 

Confidentiality

Most everything said in counseling sessions remains confidential except in these specific three instances and other exceptions. (1) Counselors are not allowed to maintain confidentiality when instances of  (2)physical or sexual abuse, or the consideration of  (3)suicide or the knowledge of a crime are reported.  Some issues may be disclosed to Mr. Neiles but permission to disclose information would be obtained.   

Case consultation occurs between Mr. Adamson and myself.  Relevant information is often passed on to specific teachers as a collaborative effort to ensure or assist in the child's healthy development.  
 

Making an Appointment

We have an "open-door" policy; however, students will need to get their assignment book signed by either Mrs. Holm or Mr. Adamson so their teacher will be informed of their absence.  If there is an emergency, students may come to counselors' offices immediately.  If a parent or teacher wishes to have a student see a counselor, simply contact the counselor or call us at MMS (696-4500).  Mr. Adamson is assigned to the red teams and I am assigned to the black teams.