Counseling

Middle school counselors guide students through academic, social, and career development while supporting parents with resources and communication.

Schoology Counseling Course

All students are enrolled in a grade specific (6-8) Schoology Counseling course. Students are encouraged to check the online course for resources and support to help them throughout the school year. If a student wants to meet with their counselor, they should complete the google form found on the Schoology course, requesting to meet.

Course Descriptions

You can explore Meads Mill Middle School’s course descriptions, along with details about our International Baccalaureate Program and the academic resources that support student learning.

2025-2026 Middle School Course Descriptions

Educational Development Plan (EDP)

An Educational Development Plan (EDP) is a document showing a student’s current interests, abilities, and career pathways. It is more comprehensive than a schedule of classes because it includes information a student can use to make wise choices about post-secondary options.

Why have an EDP?

The State of Michigan requires that students must be given the opportunity to create an EDP beginning in the 7th grade and revises it appropriately throughout high school. An EDP is designed to assist students to identify career development goals as they relate to academic requirements, which may be fulfilled through career and technical education.

Counselors meet with all classes to instruct students on updating their EDP annually. The essential elements for updating an EDP are exploring careers, projected job openings, educational/training goals, career interest surveys, activities, experiences, and plans of action.

Xello Online Program for Student EDPs

Xello is an engaging online program that helps students in grades 6–12 create their very own, unique roadmap for future success—enabling them to discover their own personalized pathway through self-knowledge, exploration and planning. Built on a proven model for student success, Xello aligns to the Michigan Career Development Model, including Educational Development Plans (EDP) and Talent Portfolios.

The Student Experience with Xello

Building Self-knowledge: Students define their interests, skills, preferences, and aspirations so they can explore the opportunities right for them.
Explore Options: Students learn about career possibilities and educational pathways by exploring rich engaging content and lessons.
Create a Plan: Students create dynamic actionable plans that outline the steps needed to achieve school, career, and life goals.
Learn and Reassess: As students gain experience, knowledge, and skills, they can reassess and change their plans for the future.

Parent Involvement

You’re encouraged to explore Xello with your child by logging in together. Your child can log in to his or her account via desktop or mobile device to share what they’ve learned about themselves, the world of work, and their future options.

Academic Support

School Counselors are available to meet with students to provide academic support with organization, time management, study skills, and test-taking skills. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their Schoology courses and communicate with teachers directly if they have specific questions regarding a class. Below are some resources to help with homework planning.

Evening Homework Schedule

Weekly Schedule Planner

Peer-2-Peer Program for 6th Graders

Sixth graders who would like homework support from an 8th grade peer may consider joining the Peer-2-Peer after school program.

Learning Styles

Tactile Learning

As a tactile learner, you learn best from hands-on experience where you can manipulate something in order to learn about it. The more you are able to touch and manipulate the information the easier it will be for you to learn. You learn by doing so you tend to learn better when some type of physical activity is involved. Here are some things you can do to help you learn:

Rewrite your notes or type them on the computer
Think through a problem while doing something physical like exercise
Make diagrams, notes, and flash cards as a way of being physical with the information
Actively work the information you are learning by making models or doing demonstrations and practice assignments
Use role playing to practice skills or act out what you are learning
Take short breaks for physical activity when studying

Since you learn best by doing, look for ways to be active with the information you are trying to learn by using the information in some way to incorporate movement. You may find it helpful to act out material with a study partner, go on field trips or visit museums and science centers.

Auditory Learning

As an auditory learner, you learn best when you can hear the information such as teacher lectures and classroom discussions. You understand and remember things better if you hear them. You may understand better when you read out loud to yourself. Here are some things you can do to help you learn:

After reading something, make a summary and say it out loud
Try talking to yourself when problem solving
You may find written assignments easier if you talk it out as you write.
If you are having trouble understanding written material, read it out loud
Make a recording of lectures to study from
Noises may be distracting to you so study in a quiet place

Since you learn best when you can hear the information, look for ways to make the information auditory by reading out loud, making recordings or having people read to you. You may find it helpful to have a study partner who can ask you questions out loud.

Visual Learning

As a visual learner, you learn best when information is presented in written form or visually through diagrams or pictures. You prefer to read the text book rather than listen to a lecture. A teacher who uses a lot of visual aids, such as notes on the board or handouts, will be easier for you to understand than one who just talks. Here are some things you can do to help you learn:

Use diagrams, images and pictures
Create flash cards to study from
Highlight or underline important information in your textbook and notes
Make outlines of the material that shows how the ideas and concepts are related
Make notes or write down key words and concepts during lectures
Try to visualize the material as you hear it spoken
Read the material in the textbook before the lecture

Since you learn best when the information is presented visually, look for ways to make the information visual by making notes and outlines or drawing diagrams and charts. You may want to ask your teachers to make outlines or use visual aids if they don't.

Schoology Counseling Course

Course Descriptions

Meads Mill Counselors