"The mission of the Plymouth Public School’s Guidance Department is to provide a comprehensive developmental counseling program, addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. Without regard to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, handicap or national origin, we encourage all students to develop realistic concepts of themselves, along with an understanding of the educational and career opportunities available to them. Counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents and community resources and agencies to provide the support necessary to ensure that all students maximize their academic achievement and potential. Moreover, we assist school administration in providing a safe and respectful environment that encourages a diverse student body to become life-long, independent, critical thinkers and productive citizens in a changing society." 

School counseling services at Plymouth South Middle School are an integral part of the educational program. Counselors strive to work closely with students, parents, faculty, administrators and community professionals to provide a positive atmosphere that contributes significantly to the personal and educational development of students.  

The goals of the school counseling department in working with students are to:

• Plan a relevant education program

• Set general and/or specific career goals

• Develop healthy decision-making skills

• Develop an awareness of their own self-worth and dignity

• Increase their understanding of the world in which they live

The school counseling department's main services are:

• Educational/Career Counseling

• Personal Counseling

• Consulting and Placement 

Counselors are available as a school-based resource. Students are able to see their counselor on an individual basis or in a small group setting when appropriate. Referrals to counseling services can be made by the student, teacher, administrator, or by a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are encouraged to contact any member of the counseling staff at any time regarding academic, social or family concerns. All information is held in the strictest confidence. Information regarding outside agencies, therapists, family counselors and other sources of assistance are also available in the counseling offices.

Erin Durkee
Contact Mrs. Durkee by EMail
508-224-2725 ext. 5101

Patti Michelin
Contact Mrs. Michelin by EMail
508-224-2725 ext. 5300

Carolyn Ahearn - School Psychologist
Contact Mrs. Ahearn by EMail

508-224-2725 ext. 5426

Sean Stevenson - Adjustment Counselor

Contact Mr. Stevenson by Email
508-224-2725 ext. 5423

Professional school counselors share the proud vision of preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s adults. To that end, school counselors’ work to help students focus on academic, personal/social, and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Plymouth Public Schools has adopted standards and benchmarks for a School Counseling Curriculum including the development of grade level learning outcomes that will provide the necessary framework for implementing the approved standards and benchmarks in the district’s middle and high schools.

All district counselors have had opportunities to review and provide input into the development of the grade level learning outcomes contained in the School Counseling Curriculum. This feedback was solicited with the following guidelines and understandings:

The primary purpose of the Plymouth Public Schools School Counseling Curriculum is to support the academic achievement of all students through developing the academic, career, and personal/social skills and knowledge all students need to succeed in school.
Grade levels represent the points at which all students should have achieved a specific learning result. Some schools might combine learning results in such a way that students might acquire the skills or knowledge at an earlier grade level.
Counselors utilize the curriculum learning results in terms of student need and developmental appropriateness.
As individual schools implement the new curriculum, once adopted, they should choose the learning results for their implementation focus that would have the greatest outcome for the achievement of the standards and benchmarks of the School Counseling Curriculum in their school.
The School Counseling Curriculum (particularly school counseling activities and units) is open to revision and continued development.
 
Read the entire PPS School Counseling Standards & Benchmarks