Counseling Center
Welcome parents, students, and staff! This site is designed to give you an overview of the school counseling program at Portland West Middle School. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns, comments, or questions you may have.
Hi! I am Mrs. Campbell, and I am the full-time counselor at Portland West Middle school. I attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in natural science. Currently, I attend Middle Tennessee State University where I am in my last year of my Education Specialist degree in Professional Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. I am currently building a home in White House with my husband and our beagle, Lady Darby. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy books, hiking with my husband and dog, and traveling. I am so excited to be at Portland West and to be helping Portland West students with their academic, career, and social-emotional needs.
As School Counselors we believe:
- Every student can learn, and every student can succeed.
- Every student should have access to a high-quality education.
- Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities.
- Every student should have access to a school counseling program.
- Effective school counseling is a collaborative process involving school counselors, students, families, teachers, administrators, other school staff and education stakeholders.
- School counseling programs promote and enhance student academic, career and social/emotional outcomes.
Our Mission:
The mission of the Portland West Middle School counseling program is to provide a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate program that addresses academic, career and social/emotional needs of all students by delivering research-based curriculum, data driven interventions and student activities that assist students in reaching their full potential. Through delivery of various services, the Portland West counseling program supports all students by addressing their diverse needs, interests, and abilities. By collaborating with other educators, families, staff, and outside agencies, we advocate for equity, access, and success for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a school counselor do?
School counselors address personal, social, and academic issues through individual, small-group, and classroom lessons. School counselors also provide referrals and resources for mental health needs that are beyond the scope of their training. School counselors are crisis responders who work with administration to assure student safety.
How can a student see a school counselor?
- A student can be referred in several ways. The student can fill out a referral (located in each classroom and inside the Guidance Center) and give it to a teacher or place it in the locked box outside of Guidance.
- A teacher can refer a student.
- A peer can refer a student by using the referral system described previously.
- A parent or community member can refer a student by calling the school or emailing the school counselor.
Why do students see a school counselor?
Students are seen for a variety of reasons. Some common issues include friendship issues, family issues, anxiety, stress, anger, bullying, grief, thoughts of self-harm, and academic issues.
What are the limits of confidentiality?
Most discussions students have with school counselors are confidential. The exceptions are the following: a student reports being hurt by someone, a student threatens to hurt others or a student indicates that they are a threat to themselves. There are additional exceptions for students under 12 years old.