Student Assistance Team - The RMS Guidance Counselors all participate in the RMS Student Assistance Team (SAT) and collaborate with team teachers to employ a series of intervention steps for students who are experiencing academic or behavioral struggles. In some cases the counselor will present a student’s situation to the SAT for objective input on intervention strategies. Throughout the intervention process, the counselors work closely with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers and administrators to coordinate efforts.

Individual Supportive Counseling - For some students, regularly scheduled counseling sessions are helpful to address struggles that interfere with successful participation in school. While not designed to take the place of counseling needed outside of school, the sessions can be beneficial for students who are having difficulty with school-related issues. Behavioral Intervention Counseling also is available to certain students who require additional support with behavior management.

Counseling Groups - Periodically throughout the school year, RMS counselors form topic-oriented support groups in response to specific needs. Recent topics have included a young women's self-esteem group, children of deployed military parents and socialization skills groups.

EXCEL Alternative Education Program - Students who have significant struggles in the traditional classroom may be considered for the EXCEL program. Mr. Pillsbury oversees this innovative new program that provides a supportive environment for students to build both academic and character development skills. Activities out of the school building are incorporated to provide students with real-world opportunities to learn and apply skills. Mr. Pillsbury facilitates adventure counseling activities and the EXCEL teachers coordinate service learning, volunteering, vocational and mentoring opportunities to help students find success beyond the classroom.

Parent Resources - In an effort to promote parent involvement, RMS counselors host parent education seminars, hold forums and engage in community outreach endeavors. Additionally, the guidance office houses numerous resources available to parents and links to other resources available in the Rochester community.

504 Accommodation Plans - When a student has an impairment that significantly interferes with success at school, it may be necessary to have a discussion to determine if the student is eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Under Section 504, every student has the right to a free and appropriate public education, despite the presence of a disability. 504 is not a "coding" or Special Education service; it is a set of individualized accommodations and related services designed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education despite the presence of a disabling condition. The RMS Guidance Counselors coordinate the 504 referrals, as well as the drafting and monitoring of 504 plans in collaboration with the student’s education team. Contact the appropriate grade-level counselor for more information.

Comprehensive Developmental Counseling Curriculum - RMS Counselors have joined forces with fellow guidance counselors throughout the Rochester School District to proactively develop a comprehensive developmental counseling program that addresses the educational, individual/social and career development needs of all students K-12. The program, which is based on national standards and which has received praise from the NH Department of Education, strives to incorporate guidance curriculum as an integral part of the quality education offered to all students in Rochester. Periodically throughout the year the counselors present guidance curriculum in the classroom and team up with teachers to infuse guidance topics in different subject areas.

Counseling Internships - Mr. Pillsbury serves as the Counseling Internship Coordinator, supervising and instructing graduate students from surrounding colleges and universities who are enrolled in counselor education programs. Interns have the opportunity to hone counseling skills and to gain exposure to guidance counseling activities through hands-on experiences. Many students have benefited from working with interns in individual and group counseling settings. It has been a successful extension of the support services available at RMS and an advantageous collaboration with higher education institutions.