School Counseling

The Peterson Middle School counseling department strives to promote academic achievement while attending to the social and emotional needs of our students.  We offer a comprehensive counseling program that aligns with the National Model for School Counseling:

• Tiered Interventions
  • Tier 1 (all students) - Classroom Counseling Lessons given in the Academic, Social Emotional, and Career and College Awareness
  • Tier 2 (5-15% of students) - Small Groups, Individual check ins, SST meetings
  • Tier 3 (1-5%) - Health and Wellness, Outside Referrals

• Individual counseling (social, personal, emotional and academic)

• Academic advising (organization, time management, prioritizing, advocating, etc.)

• Career and College exploration through CaliforniaColleges.edu

• Scheduling

• Conflict mediation

• Social skills

• Mindfulness

• Solution focused and responsibility counseling

• Referrals to outside support services

• Collaboration with the Health and Wellness department

• Consults with faculty, staff, administration and district office

• Mandated reporters

Please review our Counseling / Wellness Classroom Lesson calendar on this link.

If you have questions, contact one of the counselors.

For more information about course requests, please see our Academics webpage.

Please visit our Transition to Middle School webpage for more information.

Please visit the Virtual Wellness Center website on this link.

Here is a link to Peterson's 2025-2026 End of Year Report.

If you have questions, please contact one of the counselors.

Who Needs to Apply for a Student Work Permit?

• If you would like to work in a paid position and are under the age of 18 and have not yet graduated from high school, you are required to obtain a work permit.
• All minors need a work permit to legally work in California. Work permits may be issued to minors aged 12 to 18 (EC 49111). Find a job and secure a position with your desired employer. Work permits are not issued unless you have an actual job
• SCUSD issues work permits to all students living within district boundaries. If you attend a private, charter, or home school but reside within SCUSD lines, you are eligible to apply for your permit through our office. Please provide a recent school transcript and attendance record.

Are there Places Students Can't Work?

• Students may not work at private residences (except for students who work for their own parents at their home).

What if I Want Multiple Jobs?

• A work permit is required for each job a student holds.

Do Students Need a Certain GPA to Apply?

• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

How Do I Apply for a Work Permit?

1. Complete a Statement of Intent to Employ (CDE Form B1-1) before contacting your school site -- Add link to form
2. Use the Work Permit Directory Listing to find the appropriate staff member to process your request
3. Once you are hired, download the Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and the Request for Work Permit Certificate of Age form:
   • Fill out the top portion; all information is required, especially the Social Security number. 
   • Have your employer fill out the second portion. 
   • Make sure your parent/guardian and your new employer sign the form. 
   • The permit will be valid for 6 weeks and can be renewed based on GPA, attendance, or disciplinary problems. 
4. For additional information, explore the California Department of Education FAQ page about work permits.

Important Note: Work permits are processed during the school year and during the summer break, excluding holidays. View the district calendar for details about holidays.