Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL)

Peer Assistance and Leadership is a state-accredited, curriculum-based program offered at the secondary school level.  Students selected to participate in PAL are trained in a variety of comunication and helping skills that are used to build a positive and productive school experience.  Positive peer influence will be utilized as a central strategy for addressing peer school issues.  Students are given opportunities to work in a helping role with peers on the secondary campuses, as well as serving as mentors at the elementary campuses.  In addition, students are encouraged to participate in community service activities.

Guidance Counseling Services

The purpose of the school guidance program is to promote and to enhance the learning process.  School counselors work closely with administrators, teachers, parents, and the community to support the SMSD mission and accomplish goals with focus on SMSD's PRIDE Guidance and Counseling Curriculum.

Comprehensive guidance and counseling plays an integral role in the school's educational program.  AT the elementary level, emphasis is placed on the prevention of problems and providing classroom guidance on topics such as study skills, problem-solving, bullying, communication skills and conflict management.

A the secondary level, counselors assist students in educational planning, including planning post-secondary careers, through individual personal graduation plans conferences.  Middle School counselors work with students and parents to develop six-year graduation lans for high school.  Programs dealing with bullying, conflict resolution and peer pressure encompass the Middle School guidance program.  High School counselors monitor academic progress to ensure accurate award of credits.  In addition, they work closely with students and parents to monitor six-year graduation plans.  The High School Counselors have a unique task in transitioning students from high school to post-secondary careers (i.e., college admissions process, college entrance exams, letters of recommendation, hosting college nights, financial planning information sessions, etc.)

All counselors assist students with difficulties that interfere with the learning proess.  Working with parents and teachers to assist students in developing plans for academic and behavioral success is the priority of the guidance counselor.  We encourage parents to consult with their school counselor regarding the specific counseling services offered at each campus.

Safe and Drug-Free Schools

The SMSD Safe and Drug-Free Program focuses on the district's goal of teaching positive citizenship and character while addressing emotional, social, and health needs of our students.  This program also encompasses programs designed to educate our students on alcohol prevention, tobacco, and other drug use among youth.  Staff involved with this program work to establish community prevention efforts, conduct surveys, and provide information and referral sources.

School Resource Officers

In a partnership with The City of Stafford, SMSD has three uniformed Stafford Police Officers who assist in educating our elementary students in crime prevention and awareness and reinforce those standards in our secondary students.  SROs also provide security on each campus during the school day and at extra-curricular activities.

Crime Stoppers