Counseling

Welcome to the Benjamin Syms Middle School Counseling Department web page! The purpose of this site is to provide pertinent information regarding school counseling and information of general interest and resources for the students, parents, and staff of our Syms school family. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.

Our Mission

The Syms Middle School Counseling Program will partner with parents, community, faculty and staff to provide a comprehensive counseling program addressing the academic, career and personal/social development of all students consequently empowering them to become lifelong learners and productive members of society.

Our Vision

We are student advocates, and their partners in academic achievement.  We collaborate to foster the development of positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and community.

What we do

School counselors work with students, faculty, families, and community members as a part of the educational program.  School counselors help students to achieve success through academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy and social/emotional and career development. 

Confidentiality Statement

As professional school counselors, we will respect the rights of confidentiality of personal information disclosed during the course of conversation between ourselves and students except in the following cases:

If the student presents danger to him or herself or others

If the student has been abused by others,

If required to do so by court order.

We are bound by Federal and State law to break confidentiality in the situations mentioned above and will do so to protect our students and to remain legally and ethically true to our profession

Group Counseling

An important part of Benjamin Syms Middle School Counseling Program is the time spent working with students in small groups. These small groups can help students acquire new, valuable skills and share feelings about their common experiences in a relaxed environment. In a few weeks, groups will begin and will focus on the following topics:

Family changes/ relationships

Anger Management

Social Skills/ Self- Esteem

Loss and grief

Dealing with Bullies

Peer pressure

Study Skills

And more…

If you are interested in referring your child in a group, please contact Ms. Littleton at 757-850-5058 or plittleton@hampton.k12.va.us.

Academic Progress

Hampton City Schools offers parents a quick and easy way to track academic progress online on ParentPortal via the Hampton City Schools Website.  This will allow you to monitor your child's academic performance, homework and project assignments.  

During the school year if you should have any questions regarding grades, assignments or like to schedule an appointment to meet with a teacher, please contact the counseling office.