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GMS Counseling » GMS Surveys and Screeners

GMS Surveys and Screeners

Screening

In an effort to promote the health and well being of students in Grafton Middle School, students will be periodically provided with questionnaires, surveys, and screeners that address issues related to mental health. The information gained will support the school’s ability to provide comprehensive and timely support for your son or daughter if they require any assistance.

WHY IT WORKS

When students, parents, and staff work with us, it makes a lasting difference. Students who take advantage of our services often experience stronger attendance, better class participation, and better academic outcomes. We collaborate with staff and partner with parents to strengthen our school community.

Through consistent screening and continuous monitoring, we can often address issues before they become crises. We are committed to increasing our efforts to lower the rates of student anxiety and depression.

HOW AND WHEN TO CONTACT US

Our staff is made up of DESE-licensed counseling professionals (school counselors, school psychologists, and school adjustment counselors), who engage in consistent training and professional development to ensure they are ready to support your child. If you would like more information about the GMS Counseling Department, please contact us using the information on our website.

The Grafton Middle School Counseling Departments goal is to be proactive in finding students who may need support and offering them intervention via evidence based group counseling. Please note that the surveys and screeners given to students are not diagnostic.

  1. GAD7 - Universal grade 7 screening for anxiety. We will be giving the GAD to all grade 7 students who have not been opted out this year. If students qualify, they will be offered an 8 week CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) group intervention with parent/guardian approval.
  1. SOS Program (Signs of Suicide) - We have been running the SOS program for grade 7 students at GMS for the past 8 years. It is an evidence based program designed to teach students within a class period signs of depression which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. After the program, we give all students the below screener. If students answer "yes" on 3 or more (or identify any safety concerns), they will be offered a 6 week CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) group intervention with parent/guardian approval. Parents will be notified of any concerns that arise from the program the same day the program is run.
  1. SBIRT - All grade 7 students in the state of Massachusetts take part in SBIRT screening which is a 1:1 interview with a nurse or mental health professional. The goal is to identify students who know someone or may have concerns regarding substance use and offer support. All data reported to the state is anonymous.

In the Spring, we will be conducting the YRBS (Youth Risk and Behavior Survey) which is an anonymous needs assessment. Grade 7 and 8 students will be asked questions regarding violence, bullying, substance use, mental health, safety, and wellbeing. See all questions of the YRBS below. We will also send a letter to parents and guardians describing what survey is and the date it will be issued.

 

Students can opt-out of filling out any questionnaire or survey screener that they are not interested in taking and you can opt-out your child at any time by contacting the GMS counseling department via phone/email ([email protected]) or filling out an opt-out form.

 

Regards, 

GMS Counseling Department