Counseling
Empowering Success Through Support and Guidance
At Darby Middle School, we understand that academic success is closely tied to students' emotional and mental well-being. Our counseling office is committed to providing comprehensive support to help each student excel both academically and personally. We offer a variety of services aimed at creating a nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported.
Our mission is to equip students with the tools and resources they need to overcome academic challenges and foster personal growth. We work collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to cultivate an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that promotes overall well-being.
For more details on how our school counselors can support your child and enhance their academic and personal growth, please explore Fort Smith Public Schools Counseling. Here, you'll find comprehensive information about our services, mission, and the dedicated team committed to your child's success.
Darby Counseling Mission
Providing a comprehensive, equitable, and data-driven school counseling program for all students. School counselors engage with students in academic, career, and social emotional learning to empower them to learn and grow to ultimately make a positive impact on their culturally diverse community. Program development is driven by collaboration with stakeholders to identify student needs through data and consulting with administrators to foster student success. This allows us to close achievement, opportunity and attainment gaps to ensure successful outcomes, equity and sustainable positive long range results for all students.
Our Counseling Vision
All Darby Middle School students will complete a high quality education to achieve their goals and endeavors. They are equipped with the skills necessary to grow, learn and take on the challenges of a diverse and rapidly changing world. Students from our school are competent, resilient, and responsible individuals who appreciate the differences in others and value the impact of utilizing positive social and emotional coping strategies. As adults, they feel competent in their academic, career and social emotional skills to make a positive impact on their community.
Meet the Counselors
Counseling Services
- Individual Counseling: Personalized support for students.
- Classroom Lessons: Educational sessions on various topics.
- Small Groups: Collaborative support for common needs.
- Career Exploration: Guidance on future career paths.
- Academic Support: Help with school-related challenges.
- Behavior Intervention: Strategies to address behavioral issues.
- Social-Emotional Learning: Programs to enhance emotional intelligence.
- Family Support: Resources and assistance for families.
Students as Mentors
A partnership between Tilles Elementary and Darby Middle School
The Middle School Student Mentorship Program connects middle school students with elementary students to foster positive relationships, promote personal growth, and build a strong sense of community. Middle school mentors serve as role models, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to their younger peers in both academic and social-emotional areas.
Through regular meetings, activities, and collaborative projects, the mentors help elementary students develop confidence, improve social skills, and navigate the challenges of school life. This program not only benefits the elementary students by providing them with a trusted peer, but it also empowers middle schoolers to develop leadership skills, empathy, and responsibility. Together, they create a nurturing environment that supports growth, learning, and mutual respect.
Students in the 7th and 8th grade are nominated by their teachers then selected by the counselor to mentor younger students.
Advisory Council
The School Counseling Advisory Council is a collaborative group of stakeholders, including parents, students, school staff, and community members, dedicated to supporting and enhancing the school counseling program. The council meets regularly to review and provide input on the program's goals, services, and student outcomes. By offering diverse perspectives, the advisory council helps ensure that the school counseling program addresses the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of all students.
Through open dialogue and active participation, the council plays a vital role in shaping a counseling program that aligns with the school's mission and the broader needs of the community, fostering student success both in and out of the classroom.