MS Counselor Connection
PAMS Counseling Department Newsletter March 2026
Mr. Miller - I feel lucky to work at PAMS because of the amazing 7th-grade team and math department. The collaboration, positivity, and willingness to support one another make a big difference. It’s great to be part of a team that genuinely cares about both students and each other.
Mrs. Deibert - For the past 25 years or so, I’ve been blessed to be part of something far more valuable than anything a pot of gold could buy. My work with students, colleagues, parents, and members of the PAMS community has filled my life with connection, purpose, and joy. The relationships I’ve built and the moments I’ve shared have shaped who I am, and each day I’m reminded how meaningful it is to contribute to something bigger than myself. I truly feel grateful—year after year—to be part of this community that has given me so much.
Mr. Fogle - I feel incredibly lucky to work at Palmyra Area Middle School! Our admin works incredibly hard to keep us informed and focused on educational objectives. They truly set the tone, and I’m honored to work under these amazing and dedicated individuals. The positivity and jokes shared between coworkers are what bring energy to my bones on the days that are long and hard. Being a 7th grade teacher, I also have the privilege of attending camp at the end of the year with our students. This is truly a highlight for me each year and gives me an opportunity to spend more time with the students outside of a formal classroom environment. I love seeing the impact camp can have on students who make the most of the opportunity!
Miss Gilbert - I feel lucky to work at PAMS because of the connections I have made with my colleagues and my students. I have truly loved getting to know the team of teachers that I work with on a daily basis and they have become like family. I also am heavily involved with extra-curricular programs here at the Middle School which has given me the opportunity to get to know students outside of the academic setting. I love being able to share my passions with students through Mini-THON, Running Club, Cross Country, and NJHS. The community at PAMS is so special to me and I am lucky to teach here!
Mr. Trout - There are many reasons I feel lucky to work at PAMS, however, two reasons stick out to me:
Supportive colleagues that provide a family like atmosphere for both the students and staff.
Fantastic students. Students are overwhelmingly polite, respectful, motivated, and positive.
Mrs. Koons - The people. I work with a great bunch of people. They make me feel like I belong here and the kids make me laugh. I've actually learned a lot from them!
Parents/Guardians - We Need Your Help!
Technology Information - PowerSchool & Schoology
Below is a link to this year's technology orientation from August. This link provides families with information on how to access Schoology and PowerSchool so that you can stay up to date with your child's academic progress.
Team Homework Slide Links
Are you constantly asking your child, "What do you have for homework?" Now you can access this information on your own each day. Below are the links to each of the team's daily homework slides. Not only can you see today's homework, you can look back at any day since the school year began.
Counselor Check-ins We Are Here to Help
Difficult situations can arise for us and our families at any time. If your child had a rough night or is having a difficult morning, please don't hesitate to reach out to their school counselor. We're here to support your student and can check in with them during the day to help them feel seen, heard, and cared for. A quick email or call can make a big difference.
Peer Mentoring Program
The Peer Mentoring Program is up and running. Mentors (students offering help) will be connected with mentees (students needing help) by their school counselor and assigned times to meet once a week during PAWS. Students will be able to work on finishing classwork and homework, study for tests/quizzes, work on projects, organization, etc. Music ensemble times will be avoided so students can attend those graded courses.
Peer Mentees
Parents/guardians, please email your child's counselor below if you want your child partnered with a peer mentor this year. The program will run through April.
Andrew Capodanno - 6th Grade Counselor andrew_capodanno@pasd.us
Michelle Waiter - 7th Grade Counselor michelle_waiter@pasd.us
Kari Lamboni - 8th grade counselor kari_lamboni@pasd.us
Middle School Clubs
Middle School clubs are underway. Clubs are a great way to get involved and meet others with similar interests. See the list of clubs below for this school year.
MS Clubs Page 1
MS Clubs Page 2
MS Clubs Page 3
7th-Grade Outdoor Education Program Updates
MEDICATIONS FOR CAMP:
Any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) that needs to be given to your child during their time at camp MUST be brought into school with the completed blue form the Thursday before your child's camp week (see the dates below). Please place the blue medication form and the correct amount of medication (in the OTC or prescription bottle) into a ziplock bag and have your child bring it to their morning homeroom teacher. The school nurse will collect everything that morning, while students are in homeroom. This allows us to make sure we have everything we need before the first day of camp. PLEASE REACH OUT NOW TO YOUR DOCTOR TO HAVE THAT FORM COMPLETED.
Mountain Camp Week - form and medication brought in Thursday, May 7th
Stream Camp Week - form and medication brought in Thursday, May 14th
If you have any questions about medication, please contact Mrs. Seaton, the school nurse, as soon as possible.
DROPPING OFF CAMP GEAR:
Students will bring their gear (sleeping bags, clothing, toiletries, etc.) to the middle school auxiliary gym the Sunday night before their camp week. You will be able to park in the bus loop to bring your child's gear that evening. Please have your child's clothing and belongings marked. Your child is responsible for all of their belongings while at camp. Please refer to the "clothing and equipment list" for a guide on what to pack. Layers are important to have at camp. A poncho or rain jacket is important, as we continue with our activities through rain, unless it is an electrical storm.
Please have your child bring a refillable/reusable water bottle for the week. It is important to stay hydrated throughout each day.
Mountain – 5/10/26 (Sun) 7:00-7:30 (No earlier or later) - MS Auxiliary Gym
Stream – 5/17/26 (Sun) 7:00-7:30 (No earlier or later) - MS Auxiliary Gym
RETURNING FROM CAMP WEEK:
Pick up your camper promptly at 2:00 p.m. on the Friday of your child's camp week in the back parking lot of the middle school.
Mountain – 2:00 p.m. 5/15/26
Stream – 2:00 p.m. 5/22/26
Cafeteria Updates
What makes a meal?
You must choose at least 3 to 5 components available for the school lunch price.
Choice of Meat or Meat Alternative
Choice of Vegetable, Choice of Fruit*
Choice of Grain/Bread, and Choice of Milk
*Students must choose at least one fruit or vegetable
If your child's lunch balance seems to be depleting quickly, ask if they are purchasing a meal as described above. As an example, if a student purchases a slice of pizza and only milk, they will be charged individually for those items.
Items such as ice cream, cookies, donuts, and drinks cost extra.
Please remember that breakfast remains free for all students this school year! There are grab-and-go items available as well as full meal options. Breakfast starts at 7:10 a.m. each day.
Share fridge:
There is a shared fridge at the front of the cafeteria where students can place any unopened items they do not want to eat there. This helps avoid wasting food and allows those who are still hungry to eat more items. We encourage students to put items from both breakfast and lunch in the shared fridge, as well as take advantage of it. Students ask a staff member to get one item from the shared fridge once they have eaten all of their food (whether they have packed their own or purchased it).
Focus and Attention
Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadets is a youth development program, sponsored by the U.S. Navy and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, for young people ages 10 to 18. The program aims to instill a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance through a nautically oriented training program. See information below for the program.
Pathways Center for Grief & Loss
The center offers a range of services designed for all ages, with options for both in-person and virtual support.
Crisis Line
Everyone Matters
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Contact Us!
Andrew Capodanno- 6th Grade Counselor
Michelle Waiter - 7th Grade CounselorKari Lamboni - 8th Grade Counselor
Janine Burrows - Counseling Secretary
Angela Boeren - School Social Worker
Visit our School Counseling page to access additional resources and information by clicking the link below!
Website: https://www.pasd.us/PAMS-Counseling
Location: 50 West Cherry Street, Palmyra, PA, USA
Phone: (717) 838-1331
Twitter: @PAMSCounselors