Kemmons Wilson Leadership Development and Counseling Center
Hull Lower School Counseling
Catherine Schuhmacher
Lower School Counselor
(901) 260-1326
The Lower School counseling program provides comprehensive counseling services for students in the seventh and eighth grades. Services include academic monitoring, personal counseling, standardized testing, and educational programming. The links below contain a detailed description of counseling programs as well as resource information for parents and students.
What is a "School Counselor"?
A professional school counselor is a licensed educator trained in school counseling. This person often holds a masters or doctoral degree in counseling. School counselors are knowledgeable about human behavior and provide assistance to students in four main areas: counseling (both academic and personal), group guidance (educational programming), consultation (with parents, faculty, and mental health professionals), and coordination of programs such as standardized testing (Muller-Ackerman, 2002).
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Do school counselors provide "therapy"?
No. School counselors do short-term counseling interventions in response to "everyday issues" such as grief, stress, getting along with others, etc. Students needing long-term interventions will be referred to therapists in the Memphis community.
How do students, parents, and faculty utilize the school counselor?
The school counselor meets with all seventh graders during the first quarter of the academic year in order to get to know each student. Additionally, the counselor meets with all Lower School students about their academic progress throughout the year. Students with additional needs are met with on an as needed basis or following a referral from a teacher, parent, or student. Students may also refer themselves to the Counseling Center.
The school counselor is also available to all parents and teachers during the year regarding student issues needing a team approach intervention.
Educational Programming
Monthly Educational Theme
September - Citizenship and Community (making friends, bullying, and conflict resolution)
October - Wellness (physical and mental)
November - Civic Service and Volunteerism
December - Scholarship (exam preparation, stress management, etc.)
January - Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Prevention
February - Girls and Relationships (dating and sex education, "Worth the Wait" curriculum)
March - "My Future" (college and career exploration)
April - Getting Involved (co-curricular activities and athletics)
May - Planning for Summer (summer programs and opportunities)
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Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) - Eighth and Tenth Grades Only
FCD visits MUS on an annual basis to conduct a week-long drug and alcohol education course for students in both the eighth and tenth grades. The course covers everything from basic information about drugs and alcohol to ways to resist pressure to use. For more information about the FCD program, please visit their
Web site.
Drug Free Club
The Drug Free Club promotes a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle through the organization of activities filled with camaraderie and fun. Each fall, students who wish to participate in the Drug Free Club sign a pledge stating, "I pledge to be drug- and alcohol-free and discourage the use of drugs and alcohol by my peers during this school year." Officers elected by the club's members plan activities throughout the year. Previous activities have included dodgeball, Capture the Flag, and a movie night with neighboring schools, Hutchison and St. Mary's. This is a club open to any seventh or eighth grader at MUS. For more information on the Drug Free Club, contact Mrs. Schumacher, Lower School counselor.
Mentoring
The mentoring program is designed to allow Upper School student leaders to interact with eighth graders in a small group setting. During these meetings, the mentors lead discussions and activities with approximately ten lower school students during a 30-minute time period on Fridays. These meetings occur every two to three weeks. Topics for these meetings correspond with the educational theme of the month.
Group Guidance Activities
While eighth graders are in group mentoring activities, Mrs. Schuhmacher often conducts group guidance activities with the entire seventh grade. These activities often include games, watching videos, outside speakers, etc. Topics range from personal health education and wellness to maintaining good friendships and building character.
Personal Counseling
Counseling Department Philosophy
In addition to the College Counseling counselor, the Upper School and Lower School counselors and the director of student life also work with students in the areas of academic, social/emotional, and career development. The counselors use a collaborative approach involving students, parents, faculty, and sometimes professionals in the community to promote learning and development.
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The primary function of the Counseling Center is to foster the academic achievement and personal well-being of all students; therefore, the School Counselor will meet with students on an as needed basis to help identify and implement problem-solving strategies. If a student's difficulties cannot be dealt with effectively in the school setting, the counselor will refer the student (via his parents) to professionals in the community.
Students and parents who have questions are encouraged to contact any member of the Counseling Center.
Confidentiality in School Counseling
If a student presents a problem to the school counselor, the counselor will engage in a limited amount of personal counseling. The majority of personal counseling that takes place at MUS involves a counselor listening and attempting to help the student help himself based on a foundation of trust and confidentiality.
The school counselor will always seek to maintain confidentiality within each counseling relationship. However, if the school counselor has any reason to believe that a student is a danger to himself or another, confidentiality will be breached and the student’s parent will be notified immediately (and the family will be referred to a professional in the community).
Referral Process
A student, parent, teacher, administrator, or counselor may initiate a request for academic or personal assistance on behalf of a student. The counselor is responsible for coordinating the community connections necessary to put the party in touch with the appropriate professional resource.
Aptitude and Achievement Testing
Seventh Grade
OLSAT (Otis Lennon Student Abilities Test) - September 8, 2009
CTP 4 (Comprehensive Testing Program- Fourth Edition) - March 26, 28-29, 2010
Eighth Grade
CTP 4 (Comprehensive Testing Program- Fourth Edition) - March 26, 28-29, 2010
Students do not need to study for these tests. We encourage them to come to school on time, well-rested, and well-nourished to ensure their success.
Academic Assistance
The Lower School Counseling Center monitors every student's grades at the end of each reporting period.
Learning Differences and Disabilities
Here are two important links concerning learning disabilities:
Policy for Requesting Extended Time on Final Exams
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Disabilities