Kelly Leon
School Counselor
China Lake Junior High School
Students with last names that start with letters A-L
760.499.1820, Ext. 4589
Email Kelly Leon  

Joe Mascarenaz
School Counselor
China Lake Junior High School 
Students with last names that start with letters M-Z
760.499.1820, Ext. 4590
Email Joe Mascarenaz

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Why Junior High School Counselors?

Junior High School (JHS) students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity.  JHS counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement.  JHS counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development.

School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

JHS school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students.  Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.

Junior High School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum

• Academic skills support

• Organizational, study and test-taking skills

• Education in understanding self and others

• Coping strategies

• Peer relationships and effective social skills

• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

• Career awareness, exploration and planning

• Substance abuse education

• Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

• Goal setting/decision-making

• Academic planning

• Career planning

• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

• Transition planning

Responsive Services

• Individual and small-group counseling

• Individual/family/school crisis intervention

• Peer facilitation

• Consultation/collaboration

• Referrals

System Support

• Professional development

• Consultation/collaboration and teaming

• Program management and operation

Junior High School Counselors Collaborate With:

Parents

• Parent information night

• Communication/networking

• Academic planning programs

• Parent and family education

• One-on-one parent conferencing

• Assessment results interpretation

• Resource referrals

• College/career exploration

Teachers

• Career portfolio development

• Assessment with students’ academic plans

• Classroom guidance activities on study skills, career development, etc.

• Academic support, learning style assessment and education to help students succeed academically

• Classroom career speakers

• At-risk student identification and implementation of interventions to enhance success

• Parent communication/education

Administrators

• School climate

• Behavioral management plans

• School-wide needs assessments

• Student data and results

• Student assistance team building

• Leadership Students

• Peer education

• Peer support

• Academic support

• School climate

• Leadership development

Community

• Job shadowing, service learning

• Crisis interventions

• Referrals

• Parenting classes

• Support groups

• Career education