MCSD SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER

MMS Winter

WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Career Exploration in Action: 8th Grade Student Career Day Field Trips to PNW BOCES CTE

The MMS School Counselors designed these experiences to help students make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths as they transition to high school and beyond.

Inspiring Futures: Middle School Counselors Open Doors to Career Exploration!

8th grade students recently had an exciting opportunity to explore future careers and pathways through field trips with MMS School Counselors to PNW BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) Tech Center. On March 4th, 5th and 6th, MMS School Counselors collaborated with PNW BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) Tech Center to create an immersive experience for 8th grade students to gain exposure to a variety of different career fields while learning about the educational programming associated with those careers.

During the field trips to PNW BOCES CTE-Tech Center campus, 8th graders explored more than 20 different career fields. Through informative discussions and first hand exposure, students gained valuable insights into various potential career options, pathways and the skills needed for success in those fields.Students had an opportunity to ask questions, discover their interests, and consider future possibilities for different career options and pathways with industry professionals, and educators. Students were even able to engage with some of our current MHS Students in action in their CTE programs on campus.

We are grateful for the partnership with PNW BOCES CTE and appreciate their support, expertise and time to provide our students with such a great opportunity and experience!

Preparing for the Future: 8th Grade Advisory

In February, The Middle School Counseling Team met with all 8th-grade students in group settings for “8th Grade Advisory.” During these sessions, students explored their future pathways using Naviance, the District’s School Counseling software for College and Career Readiness. In Naviance, students completed a “Career Key Activity,” and reviewed and further explored potential career paths and options through “Roadtrip Nation.” Students also considered different career options and how those options might relate to mapping out high school and college course planning. Additionally, students reflected on their transition to high school by identifying goals, concerns, extracurricular interests, and potential college/career pathways of interest in a survey that will help their future MHS counselors guide them once they begin their high school career. Parents are encouraged to check their student’s Naviance account for deeper insights into their career and academic interests!. Naviance is accessible through each student’s own Mahopac School Google Account available through the Google waffle on students’ Chromebooks.

Empowering Futures, One Step at a Time!

Planning for Success: Academic Advising, Course Selection & Transitions

Middle school is a key time to build a strong foundation for future success! Middle School counselors have been meeting with students to assist with academic planning and course selection for the 2025-2026 school year. These discussions help students review their academic progress, select courses for next year, and begin exploring pathways aligned with their interests and goals.

For our 8th grade students, this is an exciting and important step as they choose their first set of high school courses and begin planning for graduation and post-secondary opportunities. Your Middle School Counselor is here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way and support your transition to MHS!

In addition, MMS School Counselors play an active role in supporting our incoming 5th graders as they prepare for the transition to 6th grade. Through collaboration with elementary schools, counselor visits, orientation activities, and transition programs, MMS School Counselors help ease students’ worries, answer their questions, and introduce them to the academic and social expectations of middle school. Our School Counselors are committed to ensuring that every student feels welcomed, informed, and ready for this next exciting new chapter at MMS!

Bridging the Gap: How Middle School Counselors Connect School, Home & Community

Partnering for Student Success

Middle school counselors play a vital role as a liaison between students, families, school staff, and the larger community. Collaborating closely with administration, teachers, clinicians, and families, School Counselors ensure every student has the support they need to thrive. Following a student-centered team approach: Through individual meetings, parent conferences, teacher and team collaborations, School Counselors help identify student strengths and challenges, develop personalized strategies for success, and address concerns proactively. When additional support is needed, School Counselors also connect families with valuable community resources. Together, we are committed to fostering a caring, connected, and successful middle school experience for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact your child's School Counselor for support if needed!

Celebrating National School Counseling Week

February 3rd through February 7th, we celebrated National School Counseling Week 2025. Throughout the week we celebrated our PAC School Counselors for their unique contributions and support they provide students academically, socially, and emotionally!

National School Counseling Week, presented by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.

The theme of this year's National School Counseling week was “Helping Students Thrive.” Thriving means growing, succeeding, and feeling fulfilled in all areas of your life. It means setting goals, staying motivated, and understanding your strengths and passions. Your PAC School Counselor is here to help you thrive!

WE LOVE OUR PAC SCHOOL COUNSELORS!