Guidance & Counseling Overview
___________________________________________
By Grade
SEVENTH GRADE
As new students transition to middle school, our efforts first focus on easing the transition and helping students gain coping skills, stress management, and flexibility in new situations. Other age-appropriate issues such as self-awareness, positive attitude toward self and others, conflict resolution, the maintenance of on-going relationships with adults and peers and appreciating individual differences are covered in the classroom or individual/small group environments. Time management, setting goals, organization, and study skills may also be included in individual and large group discussions as needed.
EIGHTH GRADE
In the eighth grade, the focus becomes one of preparing students for high school. Study skills, organization, and time management are areas of emphasis. Other areas of focus and discussion include developing a positive self-concept, learning to value individual differences, conflict resolution, decision-making skills, and relationship skills. Students participate in a unit on career exploration, starting with a career interest inventory as part of the Explore Test.
In October, eighth graders take the Explore Test (part of ACT's testing program). This includes subtests in English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Seventh graders take a learning styles inventory, as well as mathematics, reading, and vocabulary assessments.
NINTH GRADE
Freshman year is one of great transition for students. Returning students from H-M Middle School meet and mesh with new incoming ninth graders. This is high school! The big time! We meet with the freshmen early in the fall for an orientation. We explain how guidance counselors can help them access academic support systems, we define graduation requirements, emphasize the importance of grades and GPA, explain how to make appointments, and we begin to get to know our students. All freshmen take the Differential Aptitude Test and an interest inventory. They begin to compile this information in the Naviance system which will be used throughout their four years at Hill-Murray.
TENTH GRADE
The sophomore curriculum focuses on careers. A secondary emphasis is on standardized test preparation and interpretation, and college admission requirements. The career unit starts with an interpretation of the PLAN career interest inventory. Each student researches a career choice using Naviance Family Connection and writes a career report. The unit culminates with a career event involving over 30 professionals discussing their careers. These activities are used to help tie each student's academic and work strengths, interests, values, and educational aspirations to his/her chosen career.
ELEVENTH GRADE
Juniors investigate post-secondary education options and establish clearer career goals. The PSAT is administered and interpreted. In the classroom, a personality assessment and interest inventory are administered. Electronic career portfolios are updated, information is presented on college entrance testing (ACT/SAT) and college fairs, and post-secondary planning procedures are addressed. Students are shown the H-M online College Admissions Handbook and utilize the Naviance computer program to do a post high school college search. Counselors host a College Planning Night for parents and a College Fair for students and parents. Juniors also participate in the popular Career Shadowing Program.
TWELFTH GRADE
Seniors focus on finalizing post-secondary plans. Classroom presentations detail the application process, require the creation of an activities resume, essay, and request for letter of recommendation information sheet, and explore the various forms of financial aid. For parents, a Financial Aid workshop is sponsored in late fall by the department. Students initiate one-on-ones with the counselors to receive assistance with the application/scholarship process.
Hill-Murray Developmental Counseling Program
It is likely you haven't given much thought to how a counselor's work affects you. Common questions from students and parents today are: "What's the counselor got to do with me? How can he or she help me?"
The answers to these two important questions can make a difference in how well a student does in school, how parents can influence their child's educational experience, and what a student's next steps after school can be.
The counselors at Hill-Murray help students and their families make important academic and personal decisions. They help with the potentially confusing issues of courses that students should take in school, careers they might explore, and other available post-secondary options. Most of all, the counselors at H-M offer support and guidance to people just like you.
H-M counselors are ready to meet and help students with their needs. Make it a point to make an appointment with your counselor.
Contact your counselor
