Middle School Counseling
MS Counselor Jennifer Biton
My name is Jennifer Biton, and I serve as the Middle School Counselor. With over 20 years of experience in counseling children, adolescents, and adults across diverse settings, I am delighted to be part of this international school community since January 2024.
Prior to relocating to Israel, I was the Director of Mental Health Services at a K-12 private school in South Florida. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and have extensive experience in various areas of mental health, including inpatient and outpatient care, as well as intensive outpatient programs. Additionally, I have served as a high school counselor and AP Coordinator and have supervised school counselors across 34 public schools in South Florida, supporting students from elementary through high school.
I am deeply committed to supporting both students and parents throughout the middle school years—a pivotal stage of development where students explore their identity, gain independence and cultivate empathy, confidence, and self-esteem. Recognizing the social and emotional complexities of this period, I strive to equip students with effective coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other challenges. My passion lies in fostering resilience and resourcefulness, empowering students to transition into high school as strong, confident individuals.
MS Program
The Middle School counselor interacts with students and families in both direct and indirect ways.
Direct student services:
- Counseling
- Instruction
- Appraisal and advisement
Examples include:
- Individual and Group Counseling Sessions: I meet with students individually and in groups to address issues and provide skill-building opportunities. Providing short-term counseling is usually enough, but if more extensive support is needed, we can discuss options together.
- Individual Student Planning: I meet with students to review and/or build plans for social, emotional, and/or academic success.
- Orientation and Transition Programs: I also coordinate and implement orientation programs for new students that may include the following activities: orientation trip, buddy program, and new student groups. We also conduct transition programs that facilitate smooth transitions as students move from one school to another and work with the receiving counselor, as needed.
- Counseling Curriculum: I assist in developing and implementing the Advisory curriculum with the MS Leadership team, as well as support skill-based content connected to all classes. In addition, I conduct meetings with the different grade levels on topics pertinent to middle school students, including child protection, social skills, peer relationships, time management, and conflict resolution.
- Parenting Programs: I coordinate and implement parenting programs, such as a parenting course designed to empower parents with practical solutions to common parenting challenges. I also meet with parents during designated meetings, including book studies, parent groups, and by appointment.
Indirect student services:
- Consultation
- Collaboration
- Referrals
Although the list for indirect services is actually much longer, examples of some things that directly tie to all families include:
- Child Protection: I implement the WBAIS Child Protection policy, following Israeli law procedures, and serving as a liaison to Israeli Social Services.
- Scheduling of Students: I oversee the scheduling process for each student and individually schedule each student.
- Case Manager: Although students in learning support and EAL have their own case managers, I serve as the case manager for each student and monitor student academic progress and social well-being. This includes facilitating communication between students, teachers, parents, community resources, and other important individuals that will benefit the student’s well-being and success, as well as consulting with teachers, parents, and staff to enhance their effectiveness in helping students. This also involves monitoring students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about any of this or if you would just like to find information and you do not know where to start, please get in touch and we can figure out things together.