Counseling

Promoting academic, personal, and social/emotional development

As Black Hawk Middle School counselors, it is our mission to empower all students to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners so they can reach their full potential. Our school counselors promote individual attainment of healthy self-concept, decision-making skills, career exploration and academic achievement.

BHMS COUNSELORS ARE HERE TO HELP YOUR STUDENT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

Individual Counseling and Consultation – Our counselors are available to answer questions students or their parents may have regarding registration, academic achievement, personal issues, or social/emotional concerns.
Classroom Guidance Lessons – Black Hawk counselors schedule time to present lessons to students on a variety of topics. Examples: bullying, teasing, manners, respect, study skills, career awareness, etc.
Support Groups – Our counselors, in conjunction with the school psychologist, facilitate student support groups throughout the year based on student needs. Examples include family change, grief/loss, anxiety, and social skills.

We also work with students individually, through support groups, and in the classroom to:

Develop effective study skills.
Help sixth graders and other new students transition to middle school
Build skills for interacting and communicating with others
Deal with change and loss
Promote self-awareness and positive self-esteem
Teach responsible decision making
Work through emotional issues that interfere with being successful
Provide counsel during crisis situations

BHMS COUNSELORS ARE HERE TO HELP PARENTS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

Parent Support: Please reach out to us if you have any concerns about your son or daughter. We are here to help your child have a successful experience in middle school.
Helpful parenting information: Explore various articles and other pertinent information for you and your student.

As school counselors we work with the parents and guardians through individual consultation, and together with the students' teachers. Periodically we offer parent information sessions. Our goal is to assist parents and guardians to:

Understand their child’s academic progress
Learn strategies to help motivate their child
Develop realistic goals for their child
Become actively involved in their child’s education
Take advantage of school resources and programs

BHMS COUNSELORS ARE HERE TO HELP SCHOOL STAFF IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

The counselors are an integral part of the total school program and can help the school staff by:

Providing resources for teaching staff
Teaching classroom guidance lessons
Reviewing school records with teachers and parent/guardians
Serving on teams to assist the individual needs of specific students
Planning character education activities for advisory groups
Conferencing with parents and guardians
Coordinating career units along with Eighth Grade Career Day
Promoting a positive school environment
Coordinating various building programs (Presidential Academic Award Ceremony, 5th Gr Orientation and Parent Night)

Our Counseling Staff

jill heasley

6th grade and 8th grade students (Last names A-K)
Jill.Heasley@district196.org
Direct Phone: 651-905-5820

Available Monday-Thursday, 7:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

About Ms. Heasley

About Ms. Heasley

My name is Jill Heasley and this is my fourth year as a counselor at Black Hawk.

I attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where I earned a degree is psychology, and graduate school at Winona State where I earned a masters degree in School Counseling. I have been a school counselor for the past 11 years, and I love that I get to come to work everyday and help our students navigate the ups and downs of being a middle school student!

During my free time I love to read, workout, travel, and spend time with my family. I have three amazing and very active sons, Nolan (12), Oliver (9), and Myles (8). These boys keep my husband and me very busy!!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have about your student!

mary beck

7th grade and 8th grade students (Last names L-Z)
Mary.Beck@district196.org
Direct Phone: 651-905-5819

Available Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

About Ms. Beck

About Ms. Beck

My name is Mary Beck and I have been working at Black Hawk Middle School since 1996 and have been a counselor here for the past 17 years. I absolutely love my job at Black Hawk and encourage students and parents to come visit me anytime. I look forward to meeting you!

My husband and I have three children; ages 19, 17 and 11. I keep quite busy with my family and we enjoy a variety of activities together including sports, working out/yoga, and church activities.