North Pocono School District - Intermediate School Guidance

North Pocono Intermediate School
701 Church Street • Moscow, PA 18444 • (570) 842-7676 • FAX (570) 842-4027

Intermediate Guidance Department

What Your School Counselor Wants You to Know

My name is Jeff West, and I have been working as a school counselor for the past 15 years. I have the unique experience of having worked at the high school, middle school, and elementary school as a counselor during that span of time. This will be my second year at NPI.
As your child’s counselor, I support them in their efforts to learn, assist them in their social and emotional growth, and guide them in their transitions into the Middle School.I work with students through our classroom guidance program; as well as one-on-one for particular issues. Sometimes I meet with students in small groups regarding decision-making, social issues, anger management, interpersonal issues ,and academic issues.
As a school counselor, I work as a liason between parents, teachers, and students to make the intermediate school years as productive as possible. I am here for everyone and that is one of my biggest challenges – finding time for each child.
Children are coming to school with all different needs from day to day. I extend an open invitation to all parents to call me at any time with any questions or concerns. A school guidance counselor is a great starting point for parents to determine the resources necessary for their child.

Intermediate School Counselor
Jeff West, NPI Counselor Grades 4-5
B.S, Elementary Education 1997 University of Scranton
M.S., Elementary and Secondary School Counseling 1999 University of Scranton
National Certified Counselor (N.C.C.) 2000
Phone:(570) 842-7676 ext. 4123
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2012-2013 PSSA Testing Dates

Assessment	Dates	Grade(s)
PSSA Grade 12 Retest in Math, Reading, Science, and Writing	October 22 - November 2, 2012	12
PSSA Writing Field Test	February 4-13, 2013	3 - 5
PSSA Writing	March 11 – 15, 2013	5, 8
Writing Make-Ups and Return	March 18 – 22, 2013	As Needed
PSSA Math and Reading	April 8 – 19, 2013	3 - 8
PSSA Science	April 22 – 26, 2013	4, 8
Math, Reading and Science Make-Ups and Return	April 29 – May 3, 2013	As Needed
PASA Math and Reading	February 18 - March 29, 2013	3 - 8, 11
PASA Science	May 6 - 31, 2013	4, 8, 11
ACCESS for ELLs	January 28 - March 8, 2013	K – 12
NAEP (in selected schools)	January 28 - March 8, 2013	4, 8, 12

2013-2014 PSSA Testing Dates

March 17—March 21	Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8	English Language Arts First week of Math/Reading
March 24—March 28	Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8	Mathematics Second week of Math/Reading
March 31—April 4	Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grade 8	Make-up for ELA and Math Make-up for Math/Reading Writing
April 7—April 11	Grade 8	Make-up for Writing
April 28—May 2	Grades 4 & 8	Science
May 5—May 9	Grades 4 & 8	Make-up Science

For full 2011-2012 PSSA & Keystone Exam schedule listing all testing grades, please click on the link below.

PA State Testing Page

Suicide Prevention

As we watch the local news programs and read the newspapers, we are alarmed as a school and a community by the recent teen suicides that have occurred. We would like to remind parents of some of the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE:
• Talking or writing about suicide
• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness
• Dramatic mood changes, including strong anger and rage
• Changes in personality
• Losing interest in most activities
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Giving away prized possessions

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:
• Mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Previous suicide attempts
• Firearms in the household
• Non-suicidal self-injury (cutting self or other high risk behavior)
• Exposure to suicide of friend or family member
• Low self-esteem

Guidance Newsletters

Bullying Newsletter Fall 2012

Bullying Newsletter Spring 2012

Bullying Newsletter Winter 2012

Excellent Resources for Parents

NPSD Guidance Homepage - for parents who have children going through high school; as well as the college application process

NPI Faculty - Link to the North Pocono Intermediate Faculty List and teacher websites.

Online Referral Link - to report bullying incidents at NPI

Home Access Center FAQ -the Home Access Center allows parents and guardians to view their childs grades using the Parent Portal on the school district website. The registration form for Home Access is available on this page.

North Pocono Community Education - this site offers a list of activities and programs offered for adults and students in the North Pocono School District.

Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth

Tips for Parents with a Child Who is Being Bullied

Encourage your child to report bullying incidents to you. Validate their feelings by letting them know it’s normal to feel hurt, sad, scared, and angry. Let them know that they are right to report bullying.

Encourage your child to report bullying to their teachers, counselor, or school administrator.

Treat your school as an ally. Share concerns with school faculty, counselors, and administrators. Provide specific information that can be used to rectify the problem.

Coach your child about possible alternatives. Talk about the use of avoidance of trouble areas and trouble people.

Discourage negative reactions to bullying. Teach your child the importance of avoiding physical confrontations. Do not confront the child who bullies and do not confront the family of the child who bullies.

Talk with your child about what is going on in their life. Be aware of possible situations by asking questions and conversing about what is happening at school, on the bus, at the playground, or around the neighborhood.

Bullying web resources:

www.stopbullyingnow.com
www.nobully.com
www.kidpower.org

All three are excellent resources for bullying information.

Classroom Guidance

During the school year, there are classroom guidance lessons with grades 4 and 5. Topics covered throughout the school year may include the following: