North Layton Jr. High Counseling Center

What Do Counselors Do?

Our responsibility is to advocate for students and make sure we are doing what is best for them.  We constantly meet with students, parents, teachers and administration to collaborate and help students be successful. We do this in a variety of ways:

1.      Every Student

a.      We love the variety and differences among all students and want everyone to be successful.

b.     Programs in place for student success include: AIM, Read 180 and Enrichment Reading

2.      Data

a.      We use data to drive programs and measure program effectiveness.

b.     We meet with teachers and administration to address concerns and find the best possible solutions for students.

3.      Plan for Career and College Readiness

a.      We meet with each student (7th, 8th and 9th grade) for a 30 minute individualized or small group meeting and set academic and personal goals.

b.     We visit the College and Career Awareness classes to teach lessons.

c.      We help in developing four-year plans with our 8th and 9th grade students.

d.     Discuss college and post-high school education opportunities.

4.      Guidance Curriculum

a.      Career Exploration (CTE Intro lessons in 7th grade, Utah Futures lessons in 8th and 9th grade).

b.     Anti-bullying, resilience, self-esteem, study skills and goal setting lessons.

5.      Responsive Services

a.      We meet with students, parents, teachers and the administration to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. We are available to address concerns each day in a timely manner.

b.     Some concerns include: personal issues, friends, suicidal thoughts, bullying, family crisis, grief and loss, transition and concerns with classes or teachers.

c.      We run small groups for: stress relief, resiliency and communication

We believe all students have the opportunity to learn and be successful in the school setting.  At NLJH, we have a Pyramid of Intervention that is used school wide to ensure the success of every student.

Got ?'s

Q. How do ‘A’ and ‘B’ days work?
A. On A-days you will have classes numbered 1-4 and on B-days you will have classes numbered 5-8. You'll get the hang of A and B days pretty quickly, most students tell us they like having 2 days to finish big projects. Advisory, Intervention, and Mindset (AIM) is held Monday through Thursday at the end of the day.

Q. Which days are A Days and which are B Days?
A. You can find that information listed on the district calendar and on the school website. Speaking of the school website--we strongly encourage you to 'Bookmark' or 'Favorite' the North Layton Junior High Website, it has lots of great information and is a handy communication tool too!!

Q. What Clubs are available at North Layton Junior High?
A. Great question!! Being involved is a great way to make the most of Junior High!! We have recently added The HOPE Squad. Interested in Math or Robotics? Check out MESA or the Robotics Clubs!

Q. How do I sign up for clubs?
A. Each club is managed differently, You'll find a contact person for each club on the website. Talk with that staff member or teacher for the specific details, you can email them too.

Q. How will I know where to go and where my classes are?
A. Room numbers will be on student schedules and student planners will have maps. Before school starts in August, we will invite 7th graders to Longhorn Camp which is an orientation to practice opening lockers, find classes and get more familiar with the building and staff. You can always ask a teacher, counselor, administrator or other students to help find a class.

Q. When do we decide what classes we are taking?
A. In March you will get a copy of registration materials at the Open House. There will also be an invitation with a date and time to meet with a counselor at your school to look over your course requests. If you do not get a scheduled date and time, call the counseling secretary at 801-402-6610 to schedule an appointment. Be sure to sit down with your parents and decide which classes you want for next year in advance so we can focus on answering your questions at your appointment. Sometime August you will have access to your schedule on MyDSD.

Q. How do I change my schedule if I change my mind?
A. If you would like to make a change after seeing your schedule, you may make  an appointment through MyDSD with a counselor before school starts. There is a $10 charge to request a change.

Q. How long do I have between classes?
A. You will have five minutes between classes. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find you have plenty of time to get where you are going (as long as you don't stop and talk to your friends along the way).

Q. How much homework will I have?
A. A TON!! Just kidding! A good rule of thumb is plan to spend 10 minutes per night per grade level, so 7th graders will likely spend around 70 minutes each night on homework. (It also depends on the classes you take and how much work you get done at school.) AIM is a great opportunity to complete work also.

Q. How does lunch work?
A. There are two lunch periods. The lunch period you have will be determined by your 3/7 period class. Classes will be assigned a lunch period on the first day of school. There are five lines (2 main lines, a salad line, a sandwich line, and a pizza line.) Students should walk to the cafeteria choose a line and then go to the back of that line. Lunch is to be consumed prior to leaving the cafeteria/commons area.

Q. How long are the classes?
A. Classes are 75 minutes long. It will feel long at first but you'll get used to it pretty quickly.

Q. Can I practice opening my locker?
A. Yes! You can practice opening lockers during the 7th grade Longhorn Camp and at Back to School Night in August.

Q. What happens if we lose the paper that has our locker combination on it?
A. No worries!! You can get another copy for $20...just teasing!! Simply ask a Office Secretary nicely and they'll happily get you another copy for no charge. It is not a bad idea to write the combination in a safe place though. This can be very helpful when you just cannot remember (especially after long weekends or breaks from school)!

Q. Are the halls scary and confusing? (It is such a big school. I am nervous.)
A. It can seem scary and overwhelming at first, but give it a week or two and you will be a pro! There are lots of adults and students who will be happy to help as you get accustomed to the building. The first couple of weeks Student Body Officers and Cheerleaders will wear their sweaters and uniforms so you can spot them easier. Plus you can always come to the Counseling Center for help!!

Q. How do I know if I am within an assigned bus route?
A. Click the "my.DSD" link to the top right of this page, login to the student account, select "Report Tools" and then select "Transportation Information". This information is maintained by the District's Transportation Department, and should be updated for the new school year by mid August.

Q. How many students will be in one locker?
A. We try to accommodate those in the 7th grade with a locker partner of their choosing.  In 8th and 9th grade each student should be given his/her own locker. We strongly recommend you keep your locker combination to yourself (and your parents) getting it changed costs $5 and can create some real awkwardness within friendships.

Q. Why do we get out early on Friday?
A. Because you are really lucky and we want you to have a wonderful weekend. And because after 2:00 on Friday afternoons teachers are in training meetings with the Principal and other leaders.

Q. If a student is on free lunch can they go in any of the lunch lines?
A. Absolutely!! However, be aware that you may not give your number to another student to use or use it twice in one day.

Q. How will the 7th grade class officers be determined?
A. Its an application process. Interviews are then conducted.

Q. What will I need to bring to school on the first day?
A. Teachers will give you a list of items you will need in that specific class on the first day of class but if you want an idea or to be prepared here are a few....

Backpack or book bag
Binder
Calculator
Eraser
Hi-lighter
Lunch or lunch money
Notebooks
Pen
Pencils
Planner
And a big Smile--you're going to love it!