Counselors' Corner

ELMS Mission

The mission of Lee County Middle School counselors is to provide services that will support and enhance the personal growth and development of our students. We offer services to assist students in meeting their personal goals while maintaining the high standards of Lee County Schools. We are professional school advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with other educators, parents or guardians and the community, we facilitate the support system to ensure all students in Lee County have access to and are prepared with the knowledge and skills to be 21st Century Learners and contribute at the highest level as productive members of society.

ELMS Vision

The vision of the Lee County Middle School counseling program is to ensure that all students graduate high school college or career ready with the knowledge and skills to be contributing and caring members of society.

A Beacon of Support: The Essential Role of School Guidance Counselors

School guidance counselors play a pivotal role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students. They provide invaluable support by offering personalized guidance and counseling sessions, assisting students in navigating academic challenges, career decisions, and personal issues. Additionally, counselors serve as advocates for students, collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure each student's individual needs are met. By fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment, guidance counselors contribute to students' overall success and well-being, empowering them to thrive academically and personally.

Counselors Information

Joehami Leon ELMS

Joehami Leon

6th & 7th- Wildcat Team

East Lee Middle School

jleon.elms@lee.k12.nc.us

Amy Bunce ELMS

Amy Bunce

7th- Bulldog Team & 8th

East Lee Middle School

abunce.elms@lee.k12.nc.us

Kiyoka Watkins ELMS

Kiyoka Watkins

School Social Worker

East Lee Middle School

kwatkins.sw@lee.k12.nc.us

In the East Lee Middle School Counseling Department, we provide assistance to students in three areas through integration of the counseling and guidance curriculum in the classroom, small group counseling, and individual counseling:

Academic

Career

Personal/Social

  • Organization

  • Homework strategies

  • Time management

  • Study skills

  • Test-taking skills

  • Class behavior

  • Motivation

  • Attention/focus in class

  • Poor grades

  • Career exploration

  • Interest inventories

  • College exploration

  • High school registration

  • Lee Early College applications

  • Conflict with family, friends, teachers

  • Deaths

  • Divorce/separation, other family changes

  • Anger

  • Behavior at home & school

  • Social skills

  • Relationships

  • Abuse/neglect

Counseling Services

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling sessions are intended to provide support to students with academic, personal or social concerns. Sessions are by appointment only and may be set up by the student via the "East Lee Counseling Request Form" on the webpage. In addition to students making self-referrals, administrators, teachers and parents can also make referrals to the counselor via the "East Lee Counseling Request Form". Sessions are generally scheduled during a student's PAV time to minimize disruptions to core classes. All sessions are confidential.

Small Group Counseling

Small groups are formed when students share a similar concern and can provide support to one another by working together to deal with a specific problem. Small group counseling sessions consist of 3-8 students and meet for 30-45 minutes over the course of several weeks. Topics appropriate for small group counseling may include: friendship skills, cooperation, organization, self-esteem, grief and study skills.

Classroom Lessons

Classroom lessons serve as a tool to educate students on a specific topic. Lessons are educational but incorporate fun and engaging activities that help students practice the skills they are taught. Classroom guidance lessons are planned around special schoolwide events such as Red Ribbon Week, bullying prevention and National School Counseling Week or delivered to students based on a specific need as indicated by the teacher.

North Carolina Professional School Counseling Standards

Parent Resources

Parent Portal

PowerSchool Parent Portal allows parents to access their child's information via internet connection. 

Key Benefits of Parent Portal are:

  • Increased Home-School Communication

  • Increased Parent Involvement

  • Instant Access to Student Progress (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)

You will be able to view the following types of data on your child:

  • Attendance

  • Assignments

  • Grade History

  • Current Progress

  • Student Schedule

For more information on setting up a PowerSchool Parent Portal account, click the link below for a short video:

For a helpful hand-out on navigating the Parent Portal, click below: