School Counseling

Welcome to the School Counseling Page 

It is my pleasure to address all students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs by designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success.

Through our Student Success Plans, all students will have the opportunity to go from an enriching middle school to a high school experience that will set a firm foundation for future success. 


STUDENT SUCCESS PLANS

The Student Success Plan is a collection of programs and services that addresses academic, personal/social, and career topics for students in grades 5 - 8.

The purpose of the Student Success Plan is to:

  • Set personal and academic goals
  • Support rigorous high school expectations
  • Explore postsecondary education and careers

The Student Success Plan incorporates 21st Century Skills, essential skills that the district is currently working to identify.

 Listed below are the some of the Student Success Plan Components


Developmental Guidance Lessons for Grades 5-8

Through the health curriculum and advisory our counselor delivers full class lessons to every student covering topics including but not limited to:

  • Successful transitions
  • Goal setting and course selection
  • Career exploration
  • Test-taking and study skills
  • Problem solving and decision making
  • Appreciation of diversity
  • Bullying and teasing
  • Issues involving social/emotional growth

Personal Learning Plans for Grades 5-8

Every student in grades 5-8 develops a Personal Learning Plan through a success survey given in June.  The data from the surveys aids in creating personalized learning plan that aligns with unique academic and social emotional needs of all students.



Reponsive Services for Grades 5-8

Students often have concerns about their transition, family, and friends. Students are encouraged to speak to the counselors one-on-one, as they are trained to give assistance on these issues. School counselors respond to the social emotional needs of all students as needed through several types of services.

Through responsive services, the school counselors partner with Hall Memorial School students to establish connections, meet their challenges, and develop their character. The counselors also work collaboratively in consultation with outside support persons to provide as safe and productive a school environment as possible.


Small Group Counseling for Grades 5-8

The school counselors offer groups as needed during the year that address a variety of topics including: stress management, anger management, coping with divorce, death, etc. Students may refer themselves or be referred by a parent/guardian or faculty member.


Testing Information - Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium  Testing (SBAC) for Grades 5-8

Team lesson describing SBAC logistics, schedule changes, and procedures for SBAC month. Students receive tips and strategies to reinforce application of their study skills and content knowledge.


Course Selection Process for Grade 8

Counselors present information to all eighth grade students to explain their level recommendations and help them to make elective requests.

Teachers recommend core class levels and mail home recommendation forms to parents who review, sign and return the form to the school.

E.O. Smith Guidance Counselors familiarize students with the E.O. Smith Course Catalog and graduation requirements to enable them to plan an individualized course of study.

Individual follow-up meetings are held to verify course requests and answer student questions as needed.


New Student Orientation for Grades 5-8

Counselors or the Principal meet with students new to Willington Public Schools to acquaint them with HMS and ease their transition.

  • Review schedule, policy, and procedures
  • Allow the students the opportunity to meet and discuss transition with other new students
  • Familiarize students with available resources at HMS
  • Individual planning to facilitate academic and personal goal-setting
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