Mattlin's Guidance and School Counseling Department

What an exciting time! We are already getting ready for your children to join the Mattlin Middle School community. There are many programs that will take place towards the end of the school year to help you and your child get ready as well. 

Starting middle school is a big step and it comes along with social, physical and academic changes.  We work closely with our students and their families to support them in many different ways.  The 5th Grade Guidance Counselor will remain with his or her students for the next four years.  To speak with your child's Guidance Counselor, please contact the Guidance Office at (516) 434-3272.

Please join us for the Incoming 5th Grade Parent Transition meeting in the Spring!

• What are academic teams?
  • Students are on a team of two teachers in grade five for their four core subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Science and English. Students will travel as a class.
• How does the counselor explain their role to the fifth grade students?
  • The process begins during fourth grade orientation. The counselor and administrators visit the elementary schools in the spring. The students have a second opportunity to meet their counselor during their field trip to the middle school. Upon entering fifth grade, the counselor will go into each of the fifth grade classes to do a lesson on the role of the counselor and how a student could contact their counselor.
• What is MAP (Middle School Advisory Program)?
  • Students will meet with their MAP (Middle School Advisory Program) group ten minutes each morning and one time per month for 35 minutes. MAP is a small group of approximately twelve students from all grade levels. Students can discuss a wide range of middle school topics and participate in middle school activities.
• How is World Language Scheduled?
  • World Language is offered as part of the CEU (Continuing Education Unit) program and is an opportunity to explore each of the languages offered.
• How many times a week is Physical Education?
  • Are students required to change for Physical Education? Are teachers present in the locker room? Physical Education is three days out of the six day cycle. Students are required to change for class. They must wear a dark bottom and a light shirt. Teachers are not present in the locker room.
• How are AIS (Academic Intervention Services) scheduled?
  • AIS (Academic Intervention Services) are built into the student’s schedule. AIS will take the place of one of the specialty area classes.
• Do all students have cell phones? What is the cell phone policy?
  • No, all students do not have cell phones. Cell phones are only permitted to be used before school, after school and during lunch. If a student needs to make a phone call they could use one available to them in any of the house offices.
• If there are issues between two students during elementary school who should we contact?
  • You could contact your assistant principal and your child’s guidance counselor.
• Should I set up a meeting with my child’s counselor?
  • You could set up a meeting to discuss academic concerns, social/emotional concerns, behavioral issues, to discuss a family issue or concern, to discuss individual student needs, to set up a parent/team meeting, or to obtain resources or community referrals.
• What happens if my child is absent and would like to make up the homework?
  • If your child will be absent for more than one consecutive day, you may direct requests for homework assignments (grades 5-8) to the Guidance Office 434-3272. The office opens at 8:00 AM and requests should be made as early as possible, but no later than 11:00 AM. Assignments may be picked up in the Main Office Monday-Thursday after 3:00 PM and Friday after 2:15 PM.
• How do students know about clubs and how to join them?
  • There is a club fair in September to learn about all of the clubs and how to join them. Calendars are given out at the beginning of each month and announcements are made. Daily announcements are emailed to parents through the PTA
• Do teachers walk with the fifth graders to their classes?
  • During the first few weeks of school, teachers will escort the students to their classes as they acclimate themselves to the new building. After this time, students are allowed to walk independently.
• What kind of groups do the Guidance Counselors run?
  • Groups may vary, depending on the needs of the children. Many groups continue throughout the four years at middle school while others are short-term. Some examples of counseling groups are:
    • Stress management - learn strategies to cope with stress
    • Friendship group - learn ways to make new friends
    • Social skills - learn and practice social skills in a controlled environment
    • Bereavement - support group for students who have lost a loved one
    • Changing families - families of divorce/separation
    • New student - familiarize new students with Mattlin Middle School
    • Relational aggression - learn and utilize strategies for positive communication
    • Organization - learn helpful organizational skills
    • Study skills - learn helpful study tips and strategies
    • Time management - learn effective time management strategies
    • Decision making - learn and practice effective decision making skills
    • Public speaking - learn helpful skills for public speaking
• Do elementary teachers have any input into the student’s placement at the middle school?
  • The teachers articulate with the new building and express any strengths or concerns of each of their students.
• What is the class size? Classes range in size.
  • They usually run about 22-25 in class.
• How do Project Challenge students make up the work they miss when they have Project Challenge?
  • The students touch base with their teacher about the classes they will be missing. They are responsible to make up the work.

While we are always sad to say goodbye, we are happy to support our students as they move on to the next step in their academic careers. Preparing for high school is a very exciting time! There are many programs in place that will ensure a smooth transition for you and your child. 

Important Events:

• Incoming Grade 9 Parent Orientation Meeting at POB JFK High school (HS101 Sessions)
• Ms. Lynn, Director of Guidance, and the 8th grade counselor will provide students with general information about the 9th grade schedule and requirements via classroom lessons

The 8th grade counselor will begin meeting with students and parents individually to choose 9th grade courses

Middle School Transition Meetings for Parents 

Each year H. B. Mattlin Middle School hosts parent transition meetings to discuss the expected changes for their child’s upcoming school year.   

Please refer to the school calendar for specific meeting dates. 

• Incoming Grade 5 Parent Transition Meeting
• Incoming Grade 6 Parent Transition Meeting 
• Incoming Grade 7 Parent Transition Meeting 
• Incoming Grade 8 Parent Transition Meeting
• Incoming Grade 9 Parent Transition Meeting at POBJFK High School