West Middle LPP Welcomes New Academic Counselor Just in Time For Their Summer Program

West Middle School is excited to introduce our new Academic Counselor, Loan Sotivongsa. With a passion for youth development and a commitment to empowering students, Loan brings fresh energy and expertise to our school community. 

Meet Loan Sotivongsa

Loan joins West Middle School with five years of dedicated experience working with youth at Binghamton High School, where she served as a Youth Advocate across various programs. Throughout her tenure, she mentored and guided students as they navigated the challenges of high school through graduation, helping them discover their potential and achieve their goals.

"These experiences have led me on a path to continue to work with the youth through Liberty Partnerships and inspired me to continue a lifelong journey of learning in social work," shares Loan. "I'm excited to now bring the same dedication and passion to the West Middle School youth."

Beyond her professional commitment, Loan finds balance and inspiration in nature through hiking and long walks, discovering new books to read, traveling, and creating cherished memories with her family. This well-rounded approach to life enriches her ability to connect with students, and share with them the importance of personal growth and self-care.

"Pathways: Discover, Connect, Empower"

The West Middle School summer program's theme, "Pathways: Discover, Connect, Empower," invites students to explore who they are, how they relate to others, and how they can make a difference in their community and future. This comprehensive approach addresses four key goals:

• Promote self-care and wellness
• Foster teamwork and communication
• Explore career interests
• Encourage community engagement and reflection

Hands-On Learning Through Community Connection

The program emphasizes real-world experiences through meaningful volunteer opportunities. Students will work hands-on in gardens with Vines Gardens, gaining exposure to potential future employment opportunities while developing communication skills and teamwork abilities. Additionally, they'll partner with Outreach Ministries of the Southern Tier at St. Cyril, assisting with distributing supplies and food to community members in need, fostering civic responsibility and service-oriented mindsets.

Creative and Wellness-Focused Activities

Each week, students engage in creative, hands-on enrichment activities designed to promote self-care and confidence. The program includes:

Mindfulness and Self-Expression: Students will participate in mindfulness drawing and painting sessions with music, expressing their feelings through art while learning relaxation techniques. These activities conclude with reflective discussions about thoughts, feelings, and long-term benefits.

Personal Growth Activities: Through journaling and meditation sessions, control circles exercises, and creating affirmation jars, students develop tools for self-reflection and positive self-talk. Unique activities like crafting breathing sticks using beads and pipe cleaners provide tangible resources for stress management.

Team Building and Problem-Solving: Partner drawing activities, tie-dye sessions, murder mystery games, and escape room challenges foster collaboration while building critical thinking skills. These engaging activities help students discover new strengths and interests.

Nature Connection: Field trips to the Binghamton University Nature Preserve and Greenhouse expose students to environmental science and outdoor education opportunities, connecting them with the natural world and potential career pathways.

Literary and Emotional Learning: Special activities like "The Kissing Hand" book reading and related projects help students process emotions and transitions, particularly relevant as they prepare for new school experiences.

Empowerment Through Action

Whether solving puzzles in an escape room, creating affirmation jars, immersing themselves in nature, volunteering, or competing in field days, every activity invites students to discover something new about themselves and the world around them. These experiences help them feel empowered to make an impact and strengthen their sense of responsibility and purpose.