Our Philosophy

It is the philosophy of the Student Services Department to focus on many integral components of growth and development in assisting students’ progress.  The intent of the Student Services Department at Crossroads is to assist students in the following three general areas of growth anddevelopment in contributing to the well-rounded evolution of our middle school students.

EDUCATIONAL GROWTH
The Student Services Department is committed to assisting students in working to their fullest potential.  Counselors and Child Study Team members facilitate the connection between students’ academic needs in various educational programs and initiatives.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL GROWTH
There is an array of one-to-one counseling services, support groups, and other consultative services available to parents, teachers and students designed to foster the development of the whole child. The focus includes topics such as conflict resolution, peer relations, stress management and appreciating uniqueness and diversity.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and personal safety are foremost in the education of the child.

Each member of the Child Study Team serves as a Case Manager for a number of classified students.  They are partnered with a counselor for each student.  Specific legal requirements for testing, preparing IEP’s, conducting Annual Reviews, etc., bind the team member to a work load and time line.  The three CST members are available with expertise in their various disciplines, to act as a resource or consultant to staff in the areas of Learning Processes, Psychology and Social Work.

There are specific legal guidelines allowing classification, after all information is gathered and analyzed.  The team members cannot violate or abrogate the law. For example, a student who is a slow learner may have no basis for classification.  We must then continue to find ways to modify his/her program in appropriate ways, always aiming for the highest level of achievement possible.

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
With the assistance of Special Education Department Chairpersons and Supervisors, the Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals help to meet the needs of students eligible for Special Education and related services.  Along with the Speech Therapist, and other related services providers, the needs outlined in the students’ Individual Education Plans are addressed.  Crossroads offers a range of services which includes Resource Center Replacement Instruction, Paraprofessional Support, and In-class Support in content area subjects.  Individual needs of students are monitored and addressed.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS
The School Counselor can serve as the primary contact between parents, students and teachers.  Counselors facilitate the development and implementation of 504 Plans.  They serve as a liaison with Student Services specialists including the Child Study Team. They facilitate the process of student referral to Student Services when all instructional interventions show no positive results and there is need for comprehensive information gathering and examination.

Counselors also meet with students’ in-need to provide short-term counseling and support related to academic, social or behavioral issues in these areas.  They conduct mediations and encourage appropriate school conduct among students.  Counselors will deliver a developmental curriculum as designed in collaboration with administration.  They facilitate transition for incoming and outgoing students.

Students may ask to see a counselor by requesting a pass from the teacher.  Parents may also make contact to arrange for conferences.  Counselors are a resource in regard to all outside agencies and professionals working with the students we service.

SCHOOL BASED YOUTH SERVICES
As a part of a grant from the State of New Jersey, we have the resource of clinical staff, (mental health counselors) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey University-Behavioral Health Care, to provide individual, group and family counseling for more in-depth needs.  Referrals are made by many sources including the student’s school counselor.  School Based Counselors are located in the middle school buildings and adhere to professional standards and clearly defined interagency procedures regarding confidentiality.  School Based Youth Counselor Services also provide information about various issues faced by middle school students, including smoking, drugs, bullying and stress, for example. Referrals to outside services are made when necessary and consultation with teachers are offered, as well.

BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONIST SPECIALIST
The Behavior Interventionist Specialist facilitates the appropriate behavior among students.  The Behavior Intervention Specialists have an identified group of students with whom they work with on a consistent basis.  It is his or her role to provide ongoing emotional and academic support for students with behavioral and social challenges, especially those who require a Behavior Intervention Plan as per their IEP.  This person is also available as a valuable resource to the classroom teacher.  They can serve to assist with short term behavior management problems for all students in the building, will help teachers who are having specific problems through lesson modeling and behavior management design, and are available for ongoing consultation and support.

SUBSTANCE AWARENESS COORDINATOR (SAC)
The SAC provides drug and alcohol education and awareness to students through individual counseling, group meetings and clubs. Support services are also provided for students affected by substance abuse of a loved one.  The SAC is available to parents seeking drug and alcohol information, as well. The SAC’s focus, as a whole, is on prevention.