Middle School Counseling

Next Wednesday, October 21st during 1st and 2nd periods, we will be hosting a Career Fair for 8th grade students.  This is an opportunity to explore different careers by asking participants about their careers.  We will also have speakers in the small gym.    Students will not  have gym or their electives that day.  More details will be given in your homerooms.

The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) is sponsoring an essay contest.  It is a 300 to 400 word essay and the theme is “When is the Right Time to Honor our Military Heroes?”  The contest is open to all middle school students.  The essays are due by November 1st.  The National 1st place prize is $10,000!  There are also prizes awarded at state and local levels, so start writing.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Feely.

Welcome back Middle Schoolers and welcome new Middle Schoolers!  Please feel free to stop by the counseling

department if you need any assistance from us.

The Explore test for 8th grade students will be Tuesday, March 31st.  This test will give students and parents valuable information about students’ academic strengths and possible career options based on these strengths.  The test results will also assist students and parents with high school course planning.  If you have any questions about the test, please feel free to call one of the school counselors or browse the ACT website at act.org/explore

Students attending the Quad City Youth Conference on Friday, January 9th need to meet in the cafeteria at 7:45 am that day.  We will return at 2:50, so you will need to go to your 7th hour class when you return.  Lunch will be provided.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Feely in the counseling office or at 945-0514.

When?  Monday, December 1, 2008

Who? All 6th, 7th, or 8th graders interested that do not  have any D’s or F’s in any classes.

Itinerary?  Leave GMS @ 8:45 AM
Arrive @ Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth                                Center @ 9:45 for Historical Tour
Attend Circa 21 for “A Wonderful Life”
@ 11:45, Lunch Served @ 12:00 PM, Curtain
time @ 1:30 PM, Return to GMS 4:40 PM
(you must provide transportation home)

Cost?  $24 per student  (ticket, bus, & lunch included)

“A Wonderful Life” - Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award- winner Sheldon Harnick and Grammy & Emmy - Award-winner Joe Raposo bring Frank Capra’s film classic to vibrant theatrical life! In this new musical version, George Bailey’s story remains the timeless tale of dreams, love, and the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.  This uplifting musical exhilarates both the mind and the heart.

Attire? Dress a little nicer than average school clothes.

Bring? $5 Dessert or Beverage Money for Intermission
if  desired.  (Certainly not mandatory!)

How to register? Pick up a permission slip in the counseling office or download it from web site, return it to the counseling office with check/ money to reserve a place by November 6.  Hurry! Great Adventures fill very quickly!

Black Hawk College is hosting a Youth Conference for middle school students on Friday, January 9th.

The counseling department will be taking 20 7th grade students and 20 8th grade students this year.  The conference features a keynote presentation by Imagination Theater and numerous workshops that students can choose from on topics ranging from leadership skills, decision-making skills, and relationship skills.  The students will be nominated by school staff and costs $5 to attend.  Lunch is included.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Feely or Mrs. Ward in the counseling department for more information. You can see a list of the current workshops available at:  http://sites.google.com/site/qcyouthconference

We are in the process of creating a new middle school counseling blog to update students and parents about our services and upcoming events.