*The ER9 Counseling Team is in the process of revamping district-wide curriculum. Please check back June 2026.*
5th to 6th Grade Transition (these are estimated times):
April: Administration visit Samuel Staples
May: School Counselors visit Samuel Staples
June: Open House Night for 5th grade families, SSES school trip to HKMS to meet 6th grade teachers/current 6th grade students
6th Grade Lessons (these are sample lessons)
Getting to know the Counseling Department
Rules: Build your Own Island
SMART Goal Setting
AchieveWorks Learning & Productivity: what type of learner are you?
Growth Mindset (Growth vs Fixed)
Self-Regulation & Mindfulness
Summer Self-Care & Mental Health
Embedded into Health Curriculum: Healthy Boundaries/Relationships, Mean-spirited versus Bullying, Safe School Climate
7th Grade Lessons (these are sample lessons)
Getting to know the Counseling Department
Lifelong Learning Skills: Executive Functioning
Brain & Behavior
Goal Setting (SMART GOALS)
Career Cluster Finder
Growth Mindset (Challenging Negative Thoughts)
Summer Self-Care & Mental Health
Embedded into Health Curriculum: Empathy, Stereotyping, Bullying, Safe School Climate
8th Grade Lessons (these are sample lessons)
Getting to know the Counseling Department
Life Skills & Independent Learning
Mean-Spirited vs Bullying Behavior (Upstander/Bystander)
Goal Setting (SMART GOALS)
Career Key Inventory
Habits of Mind & Attitudes to Success
Career Fair Participation & Reflection
Postsecondary Planning & Research
Summer Self-Care & Mental Health
Embedded into Health Curriculum: Boundaries/Consent, Safe School Climate
8th to 9th Grade Transition
October: alternative high schools visit to give more information on their programs of study
October: 8th graders visit Joel Barlow High School
November: Developmental guidance lesson on program of studies
December: Overview of Joel Barlow High School from Joel Barlow Counselors
January: Program of Studies presentation from Joel Barlow High School & Course Exploration in class
February: Preliminary Course Selection
We continuously support the 8th grade transition here at HKMS. If you have any questions, please reach out.
Health/Counseling Co-Taught Lessons
The HKMS Counseling Department and HKMS Health Department co-teach 3 lessons throughout the school year. Each grade will receive a developmental guidance lesson on sexual harassment and consent (delivered age-appropriately) based on health curriculum standards and Connecticut law. You will be receiving more information regarding grade-specific lesson content.