Counseling Services Department
Phone: (240) 740-5230
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Counseling Program at Takoma Park Middle School focuses on the rapidly changing needs of adolescents. These changing needs unfold in every aspect of a youth’s life and range from the emotional to the physical as well as from the personal to the social. As students in Grades 6-8 struggle for an identity, counselors help them to balance these needs with those associated with the school setting.
Counseling Office Personnel
- Megan Litten Resource Counselor/Special Population
- Kate Hankins 7th Grade Counselor (A-G)
- Leah Walker 7th Grade Counselor (H-Z)
- Pam Lever 8th Grade Counselor
- Carmen Martinez 6th Grade Counselor (H-Z and ESOL)
- Anne Salzman 6th Grade Counselor (A - G)
- Lisa Miller Counseling Secretary and Registar
Counseling Services
Personal and Social Development
- Help students discover their strengths and weaknesses in relation to school performances.
- Help students use their problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques.
- Help with conflict management and interpersonal relationships.
- Help students become their own advocates.
Academic Achievement
- Identify programs available to students and the requirements for participation in these programs.
- Help students adjust to the school and plan their programs.
- Help students with time-management.
- Consult with teachers on ways to improve student academic achievement.
Career and Educational Decision-Making
- Develop a 4-year plan for high school.
- Review graduation requirements.
- Assess student aptitudes & interests and explore career options.
- Reinforce problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Community Resources
The DCC High School Options Fair/Info Session is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, September 23
Naviance Family Connection
- click above to access Naviance link
Information regarding the High School Process and Dates can be found in the TPMS Quick Link section called HS Process
Homework Resources for Parents and Students
- Homework Completion Contract
- Homework Contract
- How to Set Up a Good Homework System at Home
- My Homework Plan
- Time Management Sheet
- What We Can Do to Help Our Adolescents Learn
Resources for Parents
Mental Health Resources - Includes addresses and numbers for the following: Crisis Center, Behavioral Health Assessments, Area Hotlines, Self-Help and Support Groups, Non-Profit Professional Mental Health Services, Youth Services Center, and Hospitals
Wendt Center for Loss and Healing With nationally recognized expertise, the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing is a premier resource for restoring hope and healthy functioning to adults, teens and children who are coping with grief, loss and trauma in the Greater Washington region.
- Dangerous Dozen, 12 apps all parents should be aware of
- 4 Ways to Help Your Daughter Deal with Middle School Drama
- Parenting Against the Internet
- One Less Thing to Stress About: Screen Time
- Tips to Help Your Child Have a Successful Year
- Navigating the home work hour with a growth mindset
- Top 10 skills middle school students need to thrive, and how parents can help
- Dove's Self Esteem Project
- Top 15 Things Your Middle School Kid Wishes You Knew
- A Teenager’s Nutritional Needs
- Guidelines for Reporting on Social Media - Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest
- Signs of Suicide
LGBTQ Resources
- CDC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
- Gender Spectrum
- GLSEN
- SAMHSA
- The Ally Coalition
- The Rainbow Youth Alliance
Body Image
Study Skills:
- Study Skills Guide
- Study skills for middle school and beyond
- 10 Habits of Highly Effective Students
- Study Skills
- Thinking Organized
- Social Emotional Learning
Social Media:
Bully Prevention:
Health and Wellness:
Al Anon:
* Meeting at the Seekers Church (across from the Takoma Metro Station), 276 Carroll Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20012
Sundays 6:30 - 7:30. (all but the first Sunday of the month)