Guidance and Social Work Services
The school counselor at Gorham Middle School works collaboratively with parents, teachers, students, and administration to deliver a guidance program which responds to the developmental needs of middle school students, focused on education and prevention. Through classroom guidance, small groups and individual counseling, the school counselor addresses issues related to the academic, career and social/emotional needs of students. The counselor assists in transitioning 5th and 8th graders to the next level, meets with students who are new to GMS, and facilitates 504 (accommodation) plans for students who qualify.
For more information on working with your school counselor, as well as tips and resources for supporting your child through middle school, please visit the American School Counselor Association website at
www.schoolcounselor.org and click on the "parent and public" tab.
The social worker at Gorham Middle School offers individual and group counseling around social, behavioral and emotional issues identified by parents, staff and/or students. Examples of small group topics include: family change, social skills development, anger management and school avoidance. The social worker is available to assess and support students with mental health issues (such as anxiety, depression and grief/loss) that impact their school success, and may intervene with families and/or students in crisis through collaboration with resources in the community. Additionally, mediation services are offered to students in conflict with one another.
The department has also organized a mentoring program and partnership between GMS and students from the University of Southern Maine.
If you would like to speak with either the school counselor or social worker regarding concerns you have which might affect your child's school performance, please call 222-1247.