INTERMEDIATE/JR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Wendy Kajer

Wendy Kajer, MA, LPC-MH SUPV, QMHP
Licensed Professional Counselor

205 West 5th Ave.
Lennox, SD 57039
Office 605-647-2203
Wendy.Kajer@k12.sd.us

INTERMEDIATE/JR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Resources for Mental Health and School Success Virtual Office: Click Here

ABOUT WENDY

I received my master’s degree in educational psychology and counseling from USD in 1991 and soon after began working with the Lennox School District. I am also a SD licensed professional counselor. Over the years I have counseled students in both elementary and middle school levels. I currently work with students in grades 5-8.

The middle grades are an energetic, growing and changing time in a young person’s life. I find it very rewarding working with this age group of students with each day being unique in the challenges they experience. A counselor’s primary role in a school is to assist students by promoting and enhancing student learning through academic, personal, social and life skills development.

I am in the Jr High School in the mornings and the Intermediate School in the afternoons. I welcome your personal visit, phone call or email!

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS

The middle grade years are an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, these students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests, connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme sensitivity to the comments from others; and heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval.

Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. School counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.