Hotchkiss K-8 March Counseling Update: Jeff Higgins

Greetings and best Springtime wishes to ALL!!!

Grades Pre K – 5 The KINDNESS TREE is really blooming! If a name is missing, please let me know. I have students ask every day if their name is up there, and if it is, they want to be put up again. Keep the put up slips coming in….or stop by and get a star, heart or other “leaf” and put up your own!

Transition - 8 th grade to 9 th grade: The 8th grade visited the High School last month, and the feedback that I have received is that the students were impressed by the quality of the teaching staff at the High School, that they benefited from the visitation and that they are excited to move on to the next phase of their lives. (This is in no way to be construed to mean that they will not miss us down here at HK8 - )

Towards this end, we will be planning more activities designed to transition the students into their Freshman year. An initial registration and scheduling period will be held at the end of March, and I will be sending more info home as I receive it. Also, if there are any questions or concerns in this regard, please contact me...if I do not have the answer, I will find out.

Transition Conferences: To further the goal of providing for a smooth and effective transition to high school, I have created a transition survey that the 8th grade took last week. I am always willing to share data and information with parents concerning the academic achievement and success of their child, including attempting to identify any barriers to success that we may encounter. Towards this end, the students have taken some career interest profiles, some school surveys, learning style surveys and other tasks designed to begin exploring their futures and get them ready for High School….and beyond! Please contact me to request a printout of the results of the Naviance Career Exploration activities that we have undertaken; or to set up a conference with you and your child to begin this discussion. Please let me know how else I can support this very important process.

Transition II: 5 th to 6 th : I have met with the 5th and 6th grade team, and we are planning some events to address the progression of the 5th graders into MIDDLE SCHOOL. I have met with one class to begin this discussion, and have administered a survey designed to identify any concerns and anxieties they may have and to allay those fears. We will provide more information shortly, and will involve all stakeholders in this process. If you have any concerns, or ideas for transition activities, please contact me at your earliest convenience so that we may address the concerns and/or incorporate your ideas into the plans.

After School Activities: Similarly, any ideas that you have concerning after school activities are very welcome. I have been experimenting with some after school Homework Help/Tutorial sessions, and had the services of a dedicated Hotchkiss High School Junior, Mr. Nolan Egging, to help with the Math. My thanks to Nolan! I will continue to provide Homework Help after school, on Tuesdays/Thursdays or by arrangement.

4 th quarter Counseling calendar:

The 6th graders will be continuing their work with the Second Step curriculum along with beginning the Naviance Career exploration program, and planning Transition activities for the incoming 6th graders.

The 7th and 8th graders will be finishing up their Naviance Career Exploration activities, and embarking upon a refresher course in Goal Setting; the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens; and various Study Skills mini lessons.

Thank you as always, for the warm welcome into the community and for the opportunity to work with, and for, you and your children.