Lessons 

August 

The topic is “School Success.”  I also introduce myself and discuss my role as school counselor, where my office is located, and how to get in touch with me.  The “School Success” discussion address how to be successful both academically and socially at school.  We also discuss safety and ways to keep one another safe.

September

   HCCMS has a school wide HERO Day to address ways to cope with bullying and what bullying is.

8th grade - Field trip to Columbus Technical College.

October

 GCIS Jr. activity on Career Exploration.  Students choose at least 3 careers to save in their GCIS Jr portfolios.

November

 Positive ways to deal with conflict.  We discuss potential problems middle schoolers face almost daily, i.e., bullying, conflicts, gossip, etc. and how best to cope

December

8th Grade:  Introduction to high school graduation requirements and 4 year plans.

7th Grade: Students are taken to the computer lab to complete the GCIS activity, Reality Check. 

January

8th Grade:  Students will develop their own 4 year plans based on high school requirements and save it to their GCIS Jr. account

7th Grade: Student are taken to the computer lab to complete the GCIS activity, Career Clusters. 

February

8th Grade:  Tour of Harris County High School and learn about electives and technical/career pathway courses.

7th Grade: Students continue to work on GCIS activity, Career Clusters.

March

8th Grade: Harris County High School counselors will come and speak with 8^th grade students about registering for high school classes for the upcoming school year.  Students will be given registration forms after the registration process has been explained.

7th Grade:  We begin coordinating with Creekside for future 7^th graders-Creekside Night is typically scheduled this month to invite the upcoming 7^th graders and parents to come learn about HCCMS and meet the teachers

April

Milestones Test Prep

May

8th Grade: Milestones retakes and transitions to high school.

7th Grade: Reality Check Live through Social Studies Classes-students are given the opportunity to go through a Simulation of the Real World, students are given a scenario, some with jobs/salaries and some jobless and are given a checkbook and have to decide where to start in the real world (various stations are set up throughout the gym-employment office, charity, grocery store, housing, utilities, etc.)

 HCCMS is committed to providing a SAFE ENVIRONMENT for all students.

We encourage students to always show respect and report inappropriate behavior between students.  Never be a bystander.

Bullying is not tolerated!

Parents are encouraged to communicate with our counselors and administrators if you have questions or concerns.

HERO stands for Help Everyone Respect Others.  HCCMS has a HERO day when all students participate in HERO day classroom activities to address different topics.  The 8^th grade HERO topics are 1). What is bullying – Students will discuss their definition of bullying.  The purpose to get students thinking about what bullying really is and how ti impacts everyone.  Different styles of bullying are addressed as well as how to cope; 2). What is a victim – Students will understand how bullying can cause unwanted negative feelings.  Students will work together and role play positive ways  victim can cope with being bullied; 3). What is a bystander – Students will understand the different appropriate ways to respond when they see a person being bullied.; and 4). Community Mural – Students will share positive ways to create a bully free school.

Warning signs for youth suicide

Vistit www.sptsusa.org for more help.

(Listed below are the potential warning signs that someone may be depressed and/or suicidal)

Reckless behavior or activities – such as violent actions, risk taking, rebellious behavior and running away

Dramatic changes in mood

Loss of interest in pleasurable activities; withdrawing from friends

Sense of being a burden

Profound sense of loneliness, alienation and isolation

No sense of purpose in life, No reason for living

Changes in sleeping and eating habits

Decline in school work/grades

Giving away prized possessions, saying goodbye

Neglecting their appearance and hygiene

Drug and/or alcohol abuse

Fixation with death or violence

Signs of Depression

Difficulty concentration, remembering details, and making decisions

Fatigue and decreased energy

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

Overeating or appetite loss

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings  

Vistit www.sptsusa.org for more help.