The school counselors at North Johnston Middle School are here to help you with any issue you may be having. No issue is too big or too small, so if you need help with ANYTHING please ask! We are here to help! 

Here are some of the things we can help you with:

• Goal-Setting

• Organization

• Study and Test-Taking Skills

• Time Management

• Exploring Career Interests, Aptitudes, and Values

• Career Planning

• College Information

• Self-Esteem

• Conflict Resolution

• Problem Solving

• Peer Pressure

• Social Skills

• Coping Strategies

• Stress

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our school counselor via phone or email. We are also available to set up meetings if that is preferred. An administrator is also available to assist any student or parent.

• Brianna White

  • Email: briannawhite@johnston.k12.nc.us

  • Phone: 919-284-3374 Ext. 3857
    

Please see the list below that outlines some of the areas that we can assist as needs arise.

• Individual Counseling

• Classroom Counseling Lessons

• Parent Conferences

• Enrollment/Withdrawals

• 504 Plan Development & Review

• McKinney Vento Status/Homelessness

• Homebound Services

• High School Registration

• Innovative High School Programs for Eighth Grade Students

  •  Early

    College, CTLA, IB, AVID, Fire Science, IDEAL Academy, etc..

• Character Education Recognition

• Duke TIP Program

• 5th Grade & High School Transition

• Backpack Buddy Program

• Seventh Grade Teen Panel

• Volunteering/Proctoring

• Angel Tree Project for Holiday Assistance

Academics
A student's success in middle school creates habits that are healthy and will be with them through high school and beyond. What can students do to reach their maximum academic potential?

• Complete work on time.

• Establish time management.

• Critique your study habits.

• Be in class.

• Use study groups.

• Participate in class.

• See teachers outside of class.

• Improve critical thinking skills.

• Use school resources.

• Do work to the best of your ability.

• Use criticism to do better.

• Establish purpose.

Attendance
In order to be successful in school, students must be in school. Why does attendance matter?

• Research shows a clear link between coming to school and achievement, meaning students will likely earn better grades. Being in school gives students more time to interact with teachers and classmates. They have more time to ask questions and practice important skills.

• Course work may be difficult and students who are absent fall behind, resulting in academic problems.

• Good attendance helps students develop responsible work habits, which helps them prepare for the working world after school.

• Students are more likely to stay out of legal trouble. Studies show that 78% of people in prison were first arrested for school truancy.

• Students are more likely to graduate and get a job.

Behavior
Behaving appropriately in school also directly effects success. All people in a school benefit when behavior is good. High standards of behavior are important in helping students feel safe and learn well. Schools focus on promoting positive behavior, helping build self-discipline and encouraging respect for others, but schools also need sanctions to discourage students from misbehaving. When behavior is inappropriate, a student may be removed from class, and will miss what is being taught. If a student consistently acts out they distract other students and lose focus on what they need to learn. Good behavior is an essential component to be successful in school.

Parental Engagement
Two powerful gifts that you can offer your child are your positive attitude towards education and your involvement in the learning process. Parental involvement produces better attendance, more homework completed, higher grades and test scores, higher graduation rates, better behavior, increased enrollment in post secondary education, and a better attitude toward school.

How can you become involved?

• Let your child know that effort, not intelligence, is the key to success in school. Teachers acknowledge when a student is trying their best. Teachers will work with students who are struggling as long as they are putting forth their best effort.

• Keep track of your childs school work. It is rare to have "no homework" in middle school. If your child tells you they completed his/her work in school, make them bring it home to show you. Also, many teachers post homework assignments on their website so look to see what your child may have to do.

• Set aside a regular time and place for homework. Often times a common area is better than a child's bedroom. If a child is in a place where you can monitor them it will prevent them from being distracted by their cell phone, the internet or TV.

• Encourage your child to read. If a child by chance does not have homework, they can always read. Visit the library together, make reading a family activity.

• Talk with your child about their day. Use open-ended questions that cannot be answered with "yes" or "no." (What was the most interesting thing you learned today? What is your favorite class and why? What do you think your teacher will have on your history test tomorrow?)

• Most importantly, show your child that you care about what they are doing in school and let them know what your expectations are.