Middle School Counseling Center
A Counselor is available at the Middle School Monday through Friday, 7:45 - 3:30 and can be contacted at (269) 321-1311.
Tatiana Curtiss has been working at VMS since 2010. She graduated from Liberty University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree; her major was Psychology and her minor was Social Work. After moving back to Michigan, she attended Grand Valley State University where she earned her Master’s of Education degree in School Counseling. Tatiana resides in the area with her husband and daughter.
Mrs. Curtiss’ Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Counseling Services
Individual Counseling
Students may meet with the counselor on an individual basis. Students can be referred by a teacher, parent and/or themselves. Parents may refer a student by simply calling the counselor and asking them to meet with their child. Students may also refer themselves to meet with the counselor. Teachers have tablets in their classrooms for students to use. The nature of middle school counseling reflects a short-term solution focused approach. This means that the counselor seeks to work with students so that they can resolve problems in a manner that helps return them to their normal routine at school. Referrals for long-term therapy can be made as well as a list of outside resources provided if needed.
Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling is provided on an as-needed basis. Often, there will be a number of students who have a similar life situation they wish to address, such as: divorce, loss of a family member, self-esteem, peer pressure, depression, anxiety, etc. Parents can contact a counselor to express their interest and student as well as parent permission will be obtained before forming a particular group. Meeting times can be during lunch or after school (or according to the need of the members).
Counselors in the Classroom
Part of the Middle School's guidance curriculum includes the implementation of classroom lessons which cover the following topics:
Educational Development Plan (EDP)
An EDP documents the ongoing process in which a student identifies both career goals and a plan of action to achieve them. The purpose of the EDP is to provide every student with an ongoing record of career planning that will help guide them in selecting careers that align with their aptitude, interests and strengths.
- Students in Vicksburg access Career Cruising, an online system, to document individual plans for academic achievement and career goals.
- Students develop their EDP before leaving the 8th grade level while focusing on career exploration of the Michigan Career Pathways.
Counselor Corner
Local Resource Highlights:
Journeys: A safe place for grieving children or teens after the loss of a loved one. Small groups are led by trained grief counselors and volunteers. Held on Tuesday evenings, dinner included. Call (269) 345-0273 for more info.
Generous Hands, Inc: The mission of Generous Hands, Inc. is to benefit hungry children by addressing their physical, emotional, nutritional and educational well-being. Contact them at (269) 370-7965 for more info.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
Tatiana Curtiss
VMS Guidance Counselor
Xello Career & College Pathways Program
Click here to use our single sign on to access Xello.
What is Xello?
Xello is a career-resource software platform that helps students in grades 6–12 create their very own, unique roadmap for future success. Built on a proven model for student success, Xello aligns to the Michigan Career Development Model, including Educational Development Plans (EDP) and Talent Portfolios.
Xello helps students discover the pathway that’s right for them, whether it involves a trade, college, university, entrepreneurship, or other training. As students gain self-knowledge through assessments and reflection, they save careers, schools, programs, and experiences to form a vibrant, visual roadmap that’s easy to update and share.
Xello is the tool used in VCS to help 6th through 12th grade students explore and plan for careers and colleges in a meaningful, personalized way. High school students can also connect with local businesses for work-based learning opportunities to build workplace readiness skills.
How can families get involved?
Family members are encouraged to explore Xello with your child by logging in together. Your child can log in to their account via desktop or mobile device to share what they’ve learned about themselves, the world of work, and their future options.
Is Xello safe and secure?
We take data protection and privacy very seriously. So does Xello. The program complies with legal requirements for safety and security outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). That means advertising is not displayed within Xello, nor is data used for commercial purposes. Xello is also a signatory of the Student Privacy Pledge, requiring them to uphold strict standards for safeguarding student privacy regarding the collection, maintenance, and use of student personal information.
