The Council Program offers a forum of small peer groups to practice attentive listening skills and authentic communication, with emphasis on confidentiality and authenticity.  Four objectives are reviewed before each session:

·      Listening from a non-judgmental or open point of view;

·      Speaking from an authentic or reflective point of view;

·      Being aware of brevity;

·      Learning to listen and not interrupt or prepare one’s response before it is one’s turn to respond.

Emotional intelligence is defined as one’s ability to express one’s opinion and feelings effectively as well as listening to others.  Emotional intelligence in this peer situation gives rise to greater understanding of oneself and others.  Hence, tolerance and acceptance results. 

Groups are typically 14-16 students or one classroom divided into two groups.  These groups meet weekly to discuss a variety of age appropriate adolescent topics through eighth grade language arts classes.  For more information, please see the middle school counselor or your child’s language arts teacher.