Counseling Department

Welcome to the Arizona Middle School

The Arizona Middle School Counseling program provides comprehensive counseling and guidance services that address the particular needs of students. Arizona counselors have specific knowledge of the developmental needs of students. Our goal is to promote and enhance the academic, personal, social health, and career development and guide students and their families in making informed educational decisions. Arizona counselors focus on helping students explore careers, enhance self-esteem, building more mature communication and relationship skills, and developing positive work habits. At Arizona, our counselors support students as they transition from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school.

What do Arizona Counselors Do?

Arizona school counselors provide a wide range of services in the schools and community, based on individual student needs and interests, including, but not limited to:
• Provide direct counseling services to students individually and in support groups.
• Support students in developing an individual plan for academic success.
• Provide education and support services to students and parents.
• Work collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to identify and remove
.. barriers that may impede student achievement.
• Provide career awareness, exploration, and planning services.
• Collaboration and coordination of more in-depth services needed through community
.. based agencies.

Counseling Activities:
* Individual counseling – academic, personal/social, career
* Group counseling – “Why Try”
* Classroom guidance presentations:
.. -8th grade promotion/high school graduation and college planning
.. -Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other
.. -Drugs
.. -Bullying
.. -Cyber bullying
.. -Homework/study skills
.. -Personal hygiene
.. -Parenting strategies
.. -Sexual harassment
.. -Study skills
.. -Test-Taking Strategies

Meet the Counselors

	Mr. Montoya is a graduate of the University of La Verne in La Verne, California. Mr. Montoya earned a Bachelor's of Science in Criminology and a Master's of Science in School Counseling. Mr. Montoya has been at Alvord Unified School District since 2006, beginning at Wells Middle School. Previously, he was counselor at Dorsey High School in Los Angleles and at Victorville High School in Victorville. More about me...I enjoy taking care of my daughter, scuba diving, hiking, camping and golf.
Albert Montoya Counselor (G-N) albert.montoya@alvord.k12.ca.us
	Ms. Ramirez is a graduate of the University of California in Riverside, California. Ms. Ramirez earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Spanish and Ethnic Studies. She received her Master's of Arts in Educational Counseling at the University of Redlands.  Ms. Ramirez has been a counselor at Arizona Middle School since 2006. She has a breadth of experience: she has worked as a 6-8 Spanish teacher, 3rd grade teacher, Title 1 Coordinator, Early Academic Outreach Program Coordinator and Upward Bound Assistant Director. More about me...I like to play Tennis, I love my San Antonio Spurs, Washington Redskins, and Texas Longhorns.
Georgina Ramirez Counselor (O-Z) and English Learner (EL) georgina.ramirez@alvord.k12.ca.us
	Mrs. Snyder went to CSUSB where she got her BA in Liberal studies, teaching credential, MS in Educational Guidance and Counseling, and a PPS credential. Mrs. Snyder has taught in the district for 5 years. She taught grades 4, 5, and 6. This is her first year at Arizona. More about me...I like playing volleyball, softball, and watching my favorite football team, the Steelers. Most importantly, I love hanging out with my daughter.
Maureen Snyder Counselor (A-F) maureen.snyder@alvord.k12.ca.us

How can parents make an appointment?

Appointments with counselors are available throughout the school day, before, and after school. Pleast contact the school, at (951) 358-1675 to schedule an appointment with your student's counselor.

Resources:
6th grade parent orientation powerpoint
8th grade promotion, high school and college requirements powerpoint
Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs powerpoint
Bullying powerpoint
Cyber bullying powerpoint
Importance of homework powerpoint
Office of Education homework tips
Personal hygiene powerpoint
Parent and home involvement in school
Sexual harrasment powerpoint
Test-Taking Strategies powerpoint

Forms:
7th grade academic review
8th grade academic review
Bully incident report
Counseling request
Weekly progress report