AnnouncemenTAs you may know, the district made a commitment last spring to a model which enables school counselors to follow their students as they progress from one grade to another from grades 6-12. We will still be following that model, but with a slight change. Beginning in the fall, we will be looping at each building – grades six through eight, and grades nine through twelve.
As a part of the transition, Ms. Otis will begin to work with eighth graders during Ms. Gordon’s upcoming maternity leave this spring, and will transition with the eighth graders to the high school in the fall, and remain as a high school counselor. Mrs. Gordon will work with the current seventh graders as they move up to eighth grade in the fall, and remain as a middle school counselor. Mindful March
National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week 2022, “School Counseling: Better Together,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 7–11, 2022, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.” As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, BEMS will be offer announcements each morning to students and staff encouraging this year's theme of collaboration, teamwork, and being "better together." More general information can also be found on ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org. SAVE THE DATE!
Our school is proudly participating in The Great Kindness Challenge, a week-long program dedicated to creating a culture of kindness and compassion in communities worldwide.
In light of the life-altering global pandemic, we believe it’s more important than ever to give our students the opportunity to participate in this uplifting week of kindness. To help our students practice kindness and put their compassion into action, they will receive a Great Kindness Challenge checklist. Together, we will lift each other up, cheer each other on and show the world that KINDNESS MATTERS! We will encourage all students to complete as many acts of kindness as possible at school and hope they feel inspired to continue them at home! More info: thegreatkindnesschallenge.com/ NEW WAYS NOVEMBER This month, we're encouraging you to try something new! Learning something new or getting involved in an activity that really absorbs and interests us is great for our wellbeing. Keeping our brains active is not only good for us physically but it can help you feel you are flourishing as you see yourself make progress with a new skill, or just make you smile as you make a mess and decide to start again. :) Being playful and trying new things is important, as is remembering that it's OK not to get it right first time - change "I can't do it", into "I can't do it...yet!" This month's calendar is full of ideas to help you decide what to try next. (Source: Action for Happiness)
RED RIBBON WEEK - OCT 23-31, 2o21
The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week® 2021 – this year’s theme is: Drug Free Looks Like Me. At school, students will hear morning announcements that promote a drug free and healthy lifestyle. Please partner with us and discuss this message at home, at the dinner table, at family outings, and with friends and extended family. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in an art contest aligned with the theme of Drug Free Looks Like Me. Contact your child's school counselor for any questions.
OPTIMIstiC OCTOBEREspecially when things are feeling a bit tough, it can help to set some goals. Making goals achievable and ensuring that you have a few short term as well as longer term, more ambitious goals helps us feel we're making progress. It doesn't matter if your goal for the day is something really small, the important thing is to give yourself the opportunity to feel like you've achieved something and to celebrate that! This month's calendar is full of ideas to help you think about how you can put this into practice. (Source: Action For Happiness)
Welcome back, Scots! We have exciting news in the Student Services Department. Mr. Edwards has moved up the road to BEHS to work with the Class of 2025 and while we will miss him at BEMS, we are excited to welcome some new faces and a new school counseling structure! School Counselors will now be assigned to work with a grade level and loop with them each year until graduation. This will enable students and counselors to form strong, familiar relationships which can only serve to assist students with their transition to middle school, high school, and post-secondary life.
6th Grade Ms. Karen Wade is joining the 6th grade (Class of 2028). She has experience working at each developmental level in our district. She started her career at MSAD 6 as an elementary counselor, then moved on to work at the high school for several years, and her journey has come full circle now at BEMS. 7th Grade Mrs. Sara Otis will be working with our 7th graders (Class of 2027). This is Mrs. Otis's 9th year at BEMS. Prior to joining MSAD 6, Mrs. Otis was an elementary school counselor in RSU 16 (Poland). 8th Grade Ms. Anna Gordon is joining our 8th grade students (Class of 2026). Ms. Gordon has prior experience working for 7 years at Biddeford Middle School. Her experience with middle level counseling is sure to be an asset to our team. Check out our "Contact Us" section to communicate with us! 
Interested in learning more about your mind and emotions?
The KidsHealth and TeensHealth websites have lots of topics to choose from to help you answer questions or to help you through tough times that you might be experiencing. Parents -- this is also a great place to learn how to explain complex topics with your children! *Please Note* We are not able to provide emergency mental health services. Please contact : Maine Crisis Hotline: 888-568-1112 National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Cumberland County: 207-774-HELP |
Want to request an appointment to see your school counselor? Click the link below and submit the Google Form. USEFUL LINKS*Please Note*
We are not able to provide emergency mental health services. Please contact : Maine Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112 National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Cumberland County: 207-774-HELP 
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