Small groups meet weekly for an entire class period. Meeting times rotate so students don’t miss the same class every week. Each group session runs 6 to 8 weeks, once per semester. Participation in a group is voluntary. Confidentiality by all is an expectation. Students and parents can contact their alpha counselor for application information. 

Brief Summary of Groups

Children in Change is designed to help students better understand their feelings related to significant changes in their lives. These changes can include, but are not limited to: divorce, separation, the death of a relative, a move to a new home or school, homelessness, a family member being in jail, a new baby, or substance abuse. The group provides an outlet for discussion and interpretation of the emotions that children experience with change, and provides instruction in coping strategies to deal with those feelings in a healthy, manageable way. Group facilitator is a School Social Worker or School Social Worker Intern.

Connections is designed to help foster growth in the areas of social skills, peer relationships, family dynamics, and conflict resolution. The overarching goal is to improve each student’s social-emotional skill set while working to make connections with other peers in the group. Each student will take away proactive skills that they can incorporate into daily life and help enrich each student’s middle school experience. Group facilitator is a School Counselor.

Grief is designed to help students better understand their feelings related to grief and loss. The group provides an outlet for discussion and interpretation of the emotions that children experience with grief/loss, and provides instruction in coping strategies to deal with those feelings in a healthy, manageable way. Group facilitator is a School Social Worker or School Social Worker Intern.

Innovative Mindset is designed to support students with organization, time management skills, studying, and academic support. In addition, students will participate in career activities that will introduce them to multiple careers and post-high school pathways. Students will be encouraged to utilize their SEMS Student Planner and to review their StudentVue accounts on a regular basis. Group facilitator is a School Counselor or School Counselor Intern.

Keys to Success is designed to teach students about healthy habits, importance of attendance, and executive functioning skills. The topics addressed in this group are nutrition, sleep habits, screen time, exercise, social media, staying organized, time management, study skills, and establishing routines. Group facilitator is a School Counselor.

Wellness provides an opportunity for students to enhance their emotional vocabulary, communication skills, and coping strategies. Students will work on increasing self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem. Group facilitator is a School Social Worker or School Social Worker Intern.