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Mertz Middle School

Fostering a love of learning

Overview

About Counseling

counselors in the library

The purpose of a school guidance counselor is to help students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges so that they can succeed in school and in life. Some of the main responsibilities of a school guidance counselor include:

  • Academic support: Guidance counselors help students develop academic skills and strategies to succeed in school. They may provide tutoring, study skills workshops, or guidance on course selection and college admissions.

  • Career counseling: Guidance counselors help students explore career interests and opportunities, providing guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and networking. 

  • Personal and social support: Guidance counselors provide emotional support to students dealing with personal or social issues. They may offer counseling services, conflict resolution, or referrals to outside resources.

  • Crisis intervention: In the event of a crisis, such as a student experiencing a mental health crisis, guidance counselors are trained to provide immediate support and connect students with appropriate resources.

  • Advocacy: Guidance counselors advocate for students by identifying and addressing issues that may be affecting their academic or personal success. They work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed.

Overall, the purpose of a school guidance counselor is to provide students with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate the challenges of school and life, and to help them achieve their full potential.

Meet Your Counselors

Mrs. Dakota

Students with last names that start with A-J

Mr. Frost

Students whose last names start with K-Q

Ms. Morgan

Students whose last names start with R-Z

Mrs. Zazueta

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Mr. Brinks

Remediation

Mr. Griffin

Compliance

Counseling News

There’s always something going on in the Counseling Department! Check out the latest happenings below, and contact us if you ever need assistance.

hands making a heart shape against a blue sky

Kindness Matters at Mertz Middle School

Here are 10 easy ways to be kind: Smile and Greet: A simple smile and a friendly "hello" can brighten someone's day and create a positive connection without costing a thing. Active
hands in blue gloves holding a plant specimen

Trying to decide on a field of study?

There are several college majors that can lead to good-paying jobs. Some of the most in-demand and useful majors include: nursing biomedical engineering computer science finance game
closeup of a hand writing with a pencil

SAT Prep Class

An SAT prep course is an excellent way for students to prepare for the test and improve their scores. These courses are designed to teach students the necessary skills and strategies to tackle the
a vet holds a kitten on their lap

Job shadowing answers basic career questions

One big question loomed over Kelsey Cost's interest in becoming a veterinarian. “I need to see if I can handle a surgery,” the Lakeside High senior said last week at Northside Animal Hospital. She
More counseling news

Types of Scholarships

There are many different types of scholarships available to college students. Some of the most common include:

  • stack of $100 billsMerit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic or other achievements, such as athletic or artistic talent. They may cover all or part of a student's tuition and fees.
  • Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on a student's financial need. Students must demonstrate financial need by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid forms.
  • Diversity scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented or marginalized groups, such as racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, or students with disabilities.
  • Community service scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service or volunteerism.
  • Major-specific scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who are pursuing a specific field of study, such as engineering, nursing, or business.
  • Athletic scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who excel in a particular sport, and cover all or part of a student's tuition and fees.
  • Employer-sponsored scholarships: Some companies offer scholarships to employees or their children as a benefit of employment.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria can vary greatly depending on the college or university, so students should research the specific scholarships available at their school and in their area. Additionally, there are many private organizations and foundations that offer scholarships to college students based on a variety of criteria.