KA-12 Counseling Contacts & Program

In the Lower School, our counseling team works with students to support their overall well-being. The counselors help students develop a feeling of belonging in our school community and make meaningful connection with their peers and teachers; they also help students learn to recognize, understand, label, express and regulate their emotions. In addition, counselors provide support around friendships, family relationships, and personal identity. Lower school counselors work closely in partnership with parents to support their child. Students and families may be referred to outside counselors or agencies when appropriate.

Our counselors are a part of the daily life of the Lower School, advocating for students as they collaborate with classroom teachers and administrators.  Counselors host parent education events in response to community needs, coordinate the new student orientation program, and support social emotional learning in the classroom.  Our counselors are visible, trained professionals with an open door. Any member of the school community who is concerned about someone, including one’s self, should reach out to a counselor.  

Contact the Lower School Counseling Team Lead Here.

In the Middle School, our counseling team works with students to support their overall well-being. The counseling team consists of one counselor for each grade level as well as a school psychologist. Together the team supports students academically, socially, and emotionally during this important and exciting stage of their lives. Counselors interact with students daily through homerooms, conversations in the hallways, running Student Wellness Action Teams, and teaching classes. Counselors are also easily accessible to students through email or drop-in visits to the counseling office.

The middle school years are a time of significant growth and change, which can be difficult for students and those who support them. Both students and parents benefit from a supportive school environment. The counselors work closely with parents, faculty, and administration, helping each student be their best self. Counselors also work closely with colleagues in the lower and upper schools in order to ensure smooth transitions from one division to the next. In addition, the counselors pay special attention to students transitioning into and out of TAS, including directing the student ambassador program that provides students who are new to TAS with a “buddy” to help them settle in. 

Upper School counseling is broken up into two key areas to support our students: Personal & Academic Counseling and College Counseling.

In the Upper School, our academic and personal counselors work with students to support their overall well-being. The counseling services are focused on proactive and individualized planning to assist students in making informed choices throughout their upper school years. Through individual appointments, group meetings, and parent workshops, our counselors are here to provide support to meet the full spectrum of needs faced by students and their families.

Upper school counselors operate in 3 domains:

1. Personal and emotional support is provided through a wide variety of services and programs. Our counseling team welcomes new students and hosts year-long activities through our “Reach Out” program. Counselors also provide individualized assistance to students and families with an emphasis on overall wellness and a well-balanced life. Counselors also work closely with the school psychologist, who offers additional support and makes referrals to outside agencies when appropriate.
2. Academic and educational support is provided by counselors as they provide guidance in course selection, suggest educational tools to improve study habits, and assist students in implementing time management tools. Counselors also regularly consult with teachers to support their work with students.
3. Post-high school planning consists of assisting students in achieving their goals and dreams by developing 4-year plans and providing general guidance for life after high school. During the student's junior and senior years, the counselors work closely with the college counselors to ensure that students receive optimal support throughout the application process.

Contact the Upper School Counseling Team Lead Here.

For additional information on the Upper School College Counseling program, please see the office's page found here (in the Academics by Division page of the Parent Portal).

REACH OUT is comprised of select TAS students that are trained to become mentors/buddies to incoming new students. In order to join REACH OUT, TAS students are nominated by faculty and counselors based on interpersonal sensitivity and leadership potential. Once selected, REACH OUT training equips our students with active listening skills, empathetic understanding for their peers, and awareness of the relationship cycle with new students.

Every year, REACH OUT buddies work closely with new students and with the counseling office with the goal to provide a smooth and welcoming transition to the TAS community. Buddies keep in contact with the new students throughout the semester, sending out emails, inviting them to the social events, and answering any questions they might have along the way.

TAS students interested in impacting the life of a youngster are trained to be mentors for TAS students in the Lower School. The Big Buddy program provides upper school students with the knowledge and experience in general child development milestones, active communication skills, and problem-solving techniques.

The Buddies meet once a week, and spend time together talking, reading, or playing a game of their choice. The Big Buddies are an older friend, who spends one-on-one time with the Little Buddies in the hope of helping the Little Buddies with social skills and confidence.

Students interested in the Big Buddy program have an opportunity to apply to the in September. Before Big Buddies are matched up with a Little Buddy, 5 hours of mentor training is conducted. The Big Buddies are supported throughout the year by the following activities hosted by the Upper School and Lower School counseling offices:

• Follow-up meetings: Checking-in, trouble-shooting, debriefing, and providing support
• Bonding activities: Getting to know each other, and doing something special for the Little Buddies
• Year-end celebration and recognition

Big Buddies benefit from being a mentor.

They:

• Build self confidence
• Develop empathy
• Learn new skills
• Feel needed

Tiger Minds is a student-run club that aims to promote mental health awareness in the upper school student body. For more information, please reach out to Tiger Minds' club adviser, Ryan Haynes.