Counseling & Mental Health

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, attendance, personal/family issues, or social/emotional concerns.
Classroom Lessons – Black Hawk counselors schedule time to present lessons to students on a variety of topics. Examples: coping/mental health skills, academic/study skills, career awareness, etc.
Support Groups – Our counselors, in conjunction with the school psychologist and student support staff, 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:

Please reach out to us if you have any concerns about your student. We are here to help your child have a successful experience in middle school.

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

Helpful Parenting Information

Explore various articles curated by our Counselors for you and your student.

Counseling Parent Links

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)

Meet Our Team

6th grade

Tom Mitchell

Counselor-Middle School

School: 651-905-5820

About Mr. Mitchell

About Mr. Mitchell

My name is Tom Mitchell, and I’m excited to welcome you and your student to Black Hawk! I’ve been a counselor at all levels of K-12 education and am looking forward to helping your student find success at Black Hawk and beyond. I believe students succeed when the adults in their life collaborate, so please email, call, or otherwise connect with me as I want to partner to help your student succeed.

My wife and I have two young kids, and we enjoy keeping active by hiking, biking, and adventuring as a family.

7th Grade

Mary Beck

Counselor-Middle School

School: 651-905-5819

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 20 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 22, 20 and 14. I keep quite busy with my family and we enjoy a variety of activities together including sports, working out/yoga, and church activities.

8th Grade

James Fischer

Counselor-Middle School

School: 651-905-5818

About Mr. Fischer

About Mr. Fischer

Hello everyone! My name is James Fischer and I have been a school counselor since 2014, with my first year at Black Hawk in 2020. I have been a counselor in a K-12 building and within a high school setting so I have had the wonderful opportunity to support students young and old.

I am originally from Illinois so I am a big Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls fan! When I am not supporting students, you can find me out in my garden, in a gym, or walking the wonderful trails around the Eagan area with my wife and our dog, Theo.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting all students and parents at BHMS!

Social Worker

Renee Mitchell

Social Worker

School: 651-683-8523