Transitions

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN/PREKINDERGARTEN

As children and parents begin to plan the entry of the child to kindergarten, the school counselors plan and collaborate with kindergarten teachers, school resource staff, and administration to ease the transition of this exciting time for both parents and students.  Orientation for children and parents occurs in the spring when registration for the following year begins.  Counselors present information to parents about development issues, including how parents can help their children as they begin school.  In the fall, as the first day of school approaches, counselors consult with individual teachers and parents about providing support for students who may have special needs or who may be anxious about beginning school or separating from parents.  Counselors are available to accompany the reluctant student to his or her class the first few days.  If problems with adjustment persist, counselors work with teachers and parents to provide behavior support.

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Early in January, middle school counselors schedule a time to come and speak to the fifth grade students in each of their feeder elementary schools.  During these classroom presentations, information about choosing classes is presented and the course selection form for middle school is distributed.  Elementary counselors follow up with classroom teachers and students to ensure that a course selection form is obtained from each fifth grade student.

Middle school counselors plan and present information nights for parents and students, often in conjunction with elementary counselors.  Elementary counselors plan and present classroom guidance lessons about making a successful transition to middle school in the late spring.  At the end of the school year, elementary counselors meet with their middle school colleagues to discuss specific student concerns and to make recommendations about students who may need additional support to make a successful adjustment to the middle school environment.

Middle school counselors sponsor student workshops designed to answer questions and ease student concerns.  These workshops are often held over the summer or just before the start of school.  As school begins, middle school counselors are available to talk with incoming sixth grade students to assist with their transition to secondary school.

MAKING THE TRANSITION FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL

Beginning in January, high school counselors schedule a time to come and speak to the eighth grade students in each of their feeder middle schools.  During these presentations, information about choosing classes is presented and the course selection registration materials for high school are distributed.  Counselors make placement recommendations based on middle school test results, and students are asked to take this information home to share with parents.  High school counselors return to the middle schools on specific dates to meet individually with each eighth grader and collect the completed registration forms.

 High school counselors plan and present information nights for parents and students, often in conjunction with middle school counselors.  Middle school counselors plan and present classroom guidance lessons about making a successful transition to high school in the spring.  At the end of the school year, middle school counselors meet with their high school colleagues to discuss specific student concerns and to make recommendations about students who may need additional support services. 

High school counselors are available throughout the summer to talk with incoming ninth graders and their parents.  As school begins, high school counselors work with students, parents, and staff to assist freshmen in making a successful transition to the high school.