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 - 8th grade to 9th 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: 5th to 6th: 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.
4th 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.