C.R.E.S.T
Community Partnerships/Resources
A strong partnership between the community and our school that strives to a have an integrated focus on academics, youth development, family support, health and social services and community development is imperative. Our community partnerships have a strong commitment to improving the conditions of our students and their families. As an interdependent unit we work to build an effective bridge between J. L. Long and our East Dallas community, we hope that it will improve student learning and create stronger families and thus a
stronger community. The counseling department will continue to promote and encourage coordination, integration and increased efficiency
of local services and businesses.
Domain
Partnerships
Description
Academic
A.V.I.D
A national program that recruits college students from local and regional college campuses to assist our middle school students with academic tutorials on a weekly basis for
90 minutes.
Academic
Dallas County
Community Colleges
Our partnership with Dallas County Community Colleges (DCCC) includes academic
support and post secondary opportunities for our 8th students and bi-lingual assistance
for our parents.
Academic
Concilio
Career
East Dallas Exchange Club
Career
Learning For Life
Personal/
Social
North Texas Food
Bank
The North Texas Food Bank provide our middle school students the opportunity to volunteer at the facility by donating and sorting canned food items that will be delivered to
schools in the greater North Texas area.
Personal/
Social
Dallas Black
Dance Theater
Personal/
Social
Rachel’s Challenge
Dallas Black Dance Theater (DBDT), helps our students to better understand the diversity found in performing arts. Students are able to attend a live performance and meet
and greet studio members afterwards.
A national program that reminds our students the importance compassion and understanding. Rachel’s challenge strives to motivate, educate and bring positive change to
young people.
(Advancement Via
Individual Determination)
With the help of the counseling department and Concilio, we bridge the gap between
parents and their children’s academic success with a multi-week program. Through The
Concilio’s Parents Advocating for Student Excellence (PASE) program, parents learn
how to navigate the school system, how to emotional support their students, create a
supportive home-learning environment and partner with teachers to ensure academic
success.
An all male organization that mentors young male students of J. L. Long. They specialize in introducing each mentee to a mentor that aligns with the students’ prospective
career.
An entity of the Boy Scouts of America organization that specializes in providing
guests for the J. L. Long career day and parent presentations on the effects of bullying.
Parent Collaboration
Increasing parental involvement begins with a strong belief system. J.L. Long believes that all parents do the very best that they can with
the resources they have. Parent collaboration is supported and encouraged by the campus administration team and community who also believes in the comprehensive counseling program at J.L. Long Middle School.
Every year, the J. L. Long counselors implement a parent’s needs assessment at the initial parent meeting or parent conference in the fall
semester. The results from the need assessment is used to help determine what additional guidance lessons will be presented throughout the
year. The counselors collaborate with parents to meet student’s needs such as offering customized guidance lessons like stress relief and
building healthy relationships for each grade level. It is encouraged by the counseling department that parents keep the school informed about
their child, both his/her strengths and challenges, work cooperatively with the counseling department, campus teachers and administration
team in order to make their student successful.
During the initial parent meeting, Long counselors inform parents of example topics used for group and individual counseling. Parents
are urged to set up parent conferences with the counselors to discuss any and all emotional, social, academic issues and resources. During a
student counseling session, parents are contacted regarding an emotional, social, or academic issue. Each six weeks, students who struggle
academically are placed on an academic contract that requires both a student and parent signature. Early parental notification is important to
the counseling department at our school.
Long counselors continually communicate with parents on an individual basis to assist in interpreting test scores such as STAAR, EOC
(End of Course exams) and CIA (Common Interim Assessments) so that both parents and students can accurately assess student progress.
This helps students determine the viability of applying to special programs such as Duke TIP, the Bobby Bragan scholarships and magnet and
academy schools in the district.
The Long counseling department offers quarterly workshops for parents and community members dealing with important issues such as
bullying, drug and alcohol awareness and college and career readiness. The counselors also provide parents with important counseling information and events during the school year through the district phone messenger system, campus announcements, and the J. L. Long website.
The counseling staff, also helps to coordinate and facilitate the J.L. Long Concilio PASE parent program. During this 12 week program, parents learn to create a successful home learning environment, are given skills to interact with school staff, and are encouraged to become active
volunteers in their child’s school. All Long counseling materials are available for parent preview at the fall and spring parent meetings.
Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas
“A continuous improvement document sponsored by the Texas School Counselor
Association”
2015 – 2016
J. L. Long Middle School
6116 Reiger Avenue Dallas, Texas 75214
Office (972) 502-4700
Fax (972) 502-4755
Principal: Chandra Barnett email: [email protected]
Counselors: Kareeme Hawkins email: [email protected]
Carrie Landman email: [email protected]
Elaine Perez email: [email protected]
Principal’s Comments
J.L. Long is an International Baccalaureate World School who prides itself on the implementation of a program based on the principles of leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. As an I.B. World School within a global community, our counseling team
works to create frequent opportunities for shared learning and collaboration with others. This may include mentoring, coaching, consultation
or self-guided learning. We believe that the American School Counselor Association’s model, that is indicative of the four quadrants, allows
our counselors to implement a balanced program that addresses all learners. To cultivate a comprehensive program, our campus goals are
driven by both academic and social student success. Our counseling program works diligently to advocate for all students and to make sure
they are supported both in school and outside of school. Our counseling team promotes programs that are collaborative efforts benefiting students, parents, teachers, administrators and the overall community. The Student Services Center on our campus is an integral part of students'
daily educational environment, and it is our belief that the counselors serve as partners in student achievement.
While at school, students participate with initiatives such as, Education! Go Get It Week, BUCS Don’t Bully Week, Red Ribbon Week,
and Kindness Week, which allows the students to gain an understanding about respect, responsibility, staying drug free, and being college and
career ready. The J.L. Long counseling department, leads this balanced program throughout the year to support all students. Additionally, we
see the benefits of what our counseling team offers through student interaction, and classroom guidance activities in which students demonstrate what they have learned. Our counselors provide at least seven guidance lessons around topics such as: code of conduct, anti-harassment,
teen dating violence, social media awareness, obtaining a college education, career choices, and tolerance. As these topics are approached,
they work to ensure students understand how positive behaviors impact their lives both presently and in the future. Our counselors have an
“open door policy” and students are allowed to log-in and be seen per their specific needs. The counseling team meet with students about
grades, work with them based on particular interests, and develop relationships within our building of diverse learners. They are called upon
by the staff to help understand the whole student. When teachers notice red flags, such as behavioral issues or grades, our counselors are prepared to help teachers gain a more complete understanding of the issues behind the actions. One of the most important attributes of the Long
counseling team is they offer students an empathetic listener. When students are having problems that seem personal or sensitive they provide
a sounding board and help them find solutions. Our counselors exhibit a daily commitment to the ASCA model and attend professional development sessions so that they are equipped and ready to meet the needs of our diverse student population. They have attended national conferences to address the needs of our at-risk population and offer support through campus-based mentoring and tutoring programs. They serve as
campus leaders as 504 chair, Student Support Team members, Response to Intervention Team members and Youth and Family representatives. They help the campus come together for a common purpose. Additionally, our counselors help disaggregate data to ensure students are
academically successful per our campus improvement plan. At J.L. Long Middle School the ultimate goal of the counseling team is to foster a
culture and community that meets the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student. It is felt that the counseling team fully understands and exemplifies a comprehensive, developmental, guidance and counseling program. In following the ASCA model, it is evident that
our counselors are full partners in the educational activities of the entire school and a contributing factor in making J.L. Long an excellent
environment for students to grow in academically, socially, and emotionally.
Name
Chandra Barnett
LaJoyce Johnson
Position
Principal
Assistant Principal
Years of Service
14
17
Kareeme Hawkins
Carrie Landman
Elaine Perez
Tiffany Yackuboskey
Denielle Burns
Haymond Robinson
Counselor
Counselor
Counselor
IB Coordinator
Teacher
Teacher
Student
Student
8
22
26
4
3
Parent
Parent
Community Member
1
3
8
Arsema Tsegaye
Adrian Hernandez
Deborah Stewart
Debra Bishop
Justin Milici
7
2
3
School Counseling Advisory Council
The J.L. Long School Counseling Advisory
Council is a positive, constructive, working committee comprised of parents, counselors, students,
teachers, and community members, who work together to assist the counseling department in providing the best possible services for students and their
families. The council aims to promote interest and
awareness of the counseling department to our campus and community.
By providing feedback, developing, and assessing a comprehensive guidance program through
community, parental, and student involvement;
members of the School Counseling Advisory Council are able to impact students, staff, and East Dallas
community stakeholders.
School Counseling Advisory Council (Cont.)
The J. L. Long school counseling advisory council committee members include volunteers selected by the school counseling department and administration at the beginning every academic school year. Committee members
are leaders on campus and the community.
Parents who have shown significant interest in
utilizing the counseling department are asked
to represent. Teacher stakeholders are chosen
by their extra-curricular responsibility load and
community members are selected by the administration team and teacher referrals. There
are two student representatives, one from both
7th and 8th grade and preferably a boy and girl.
The council meets every other six weeks.
The initial school meeting is used to discuss
the J. L. Long comprehensive guidance pro-
gram, challenges from the previous school
year, data retrieved from the student, parent
and teacher needs assessments, upcoming
parent meetings, fundraisers and community
efforts. We meet at 5pm in the student services office.
Agenda items for discussion are suggestions for a guest speaker for Red Ribbon
Week, which focuses on drug and alcohol
awareness and a plan to recruit community
members to speak during our annual college
and career day extravaganza.
After our meetings, a report is given in
our weekly counselors meeting to discuss
council agenda and feedback. Depending on
the topic, the council’s recommendations are
put into effect the next six weeks pending
approval from the principal.
Student Results
Our school counseling advisory
council are also a pivotal part in our
counsels care group. An student-led
organization that focuses on acts of
kindness and philanthropy.
In alignment with the American School Counseling Association National Standards, there is a collaborative effort with our counselors, administrators, teachers and community to offer unique instructional settings and on-going monitoring of academic progress to the student population
with its unique academic needs. The Long counseling department believes when students are given more academic opportunities paired with
after-school activities, their chances of success are greater. It is important to the counseling staff that by the time the students reach the 8th
grade, students have had academic support, correct instructional settings, and social stability to reach post-secondary readiness.
The counseling staff will assist in reducing the total
amount of 8th grade students enrolled in summer school
by 5% or more from the prior year.
A healthy transition from 8th grade to 9th grade is
pivotal to academic success.
The counseling staff will collaborate with instructional staff to increase the
percentage of students passing the 7th Grade Writing STAAR by 10% from 2013
-2015, by focusing on closing the performance gaps with lower performing
populations.
To improve the academic success of students transitioning to high school.
Intervention
Six week academic contracts
Students are identified each six weeks who have failed 2
or more core classes and given an academic contract.
School Climate and Safety
School safety starts with strong leadership: taking precautions to prevent crises on your campus, developing a plan for disasters, and implementing an effective safety plan. The J. L. Long counseling team recognizes the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment is a key factor in helping our students become successful lifelong learners. With the help from our International Baccalaureate Leadership Team (IBLT), Foundation Team, campus administrators, counselors, teachers, staff, and Parent Teacher Association
(PTA) we work together to give our students a safe and caring school. The J. L. Long counseling department passionately strives to provide the students with a safe and nurturing atmosphere where they feel support and welcomed.
At the start of each semester, students are asked to take a safety questionnaire and counseling department needs assessment. The
results are used to help guide future small group sessions and/or guidance lessons.
Presentations on anti-bullying, anti-victimization, character education, teen dating violence, bullying, and wellness are provided to
every child throughout the year during classroom guidance lessons. Our students and staff also participate in Red Ribbon Week. During
this time, the counseling team provides classroom activities and guest speakers on drug awareness. Parents are also invited to attend quarterly meetings which focus on important issues such as bullying and healthy relationship building. The J. L. Long counseling team continues to communicate with parents and students on safe practices and good decision-making, such as notifying your counselor or teacher of
any potentially harmful situations. Students are encouraged to turn to counselors with any concerns. Students complete an electronic check
-in counselor form in the Student Services office. Students may also see their counselor during their lunch period for a confidential meeting. Campus staff is trained two times a year on counseling services rendered and how they can submit a counseling referral.
Long counselors are on the BUC Culture Committee. This is a group of staff members, including all three counselors, and students
from J. L. Long, who have gone through leadership and interpersonal relationship training. The goal of this group is to help our students
feel a sense of security and feel a part of the school culture by implementing clear procedures and organization measures. Every morning,
students are received by lawn greeters and welcomed by an adult door captain at every student entrance.
The counseling team at J.L. Long is an integral part of the crisis management plan. The counselors are on call for any student,
parent, or staff member that is in need of counseling services along with the district’s psychological services team. A phone communication tree is also created between the counseling department and the administration team to help control content and facts of a crisis.
This graph represents the responses from our
students from the
Student Safety Questionnaire given at end of 6th six weeks.
Do you feel safe at J. L. Long?
This graph represents the number of bully incident reports recorded at the beginning of 20142015 school and the end of the school year.
The graph above shows the percentage of the 7th grade students who passed the
Writing STAAR. It also shows how our Hispanic and Low SES populations
have made significant gains over the past 3 years in writing.
Intervention
The graph above shows the percentage of the 8th grade
students from 2013-2015 that were enrolled in summer
school at the conclusion of the school year.
Individual counseling with students and parents to interpret previous year
STAAR scores.
Major Achievements
Delivery System
Guidance Curriculum
Responsive Services
Overall % Time
45
30
Individual Student Planning
Decline in
prevalence
can be attributed to
counseling
department
campus-wide
training on
bullying.
STAAR boot camps and parent meetings
20
System Support
Other Achievement
5
2014-2015
Other Achievement
2014-2015
Major Achievements
Guidance curriculum encouraged more student compassion which assisted in
the decrease of bully reports by 15%
Long counselors offer 7 counseling groups a semester. Each group meets 5
times during the semester. Including small group sessions during lunch advocacy period.
Eighth grade students had the opportunity to take the preliminary scholastic
aptitude test (PSAT) in the fall semester. Counselors reviewed and analyzed
student results with both parents and students. Also, the Long counselors met
with students who failed two or more core classes each six weeks and assisted
with academic planning.
The J. L. Long counseling department provided staff development and training
to the school faculty and staff on the counseling program, bullying, Response
to Intervention and school resources for student mentoring.
2014 CREST (Counselor’s Reinforcing Excellence for Students in
Texas) Award.
Long counseling department completed campus visit and trainings from the
Momentous Institute. Helping students build social and emotional health is a
priority.