Ann Fisher
Ann Fisher.pngAnn Fisher
This is my fourth year as the Mt. Abe Middle School Counselor after a ten-year hiatus from middle school students. I'm glad to be back with the 7th and 8th graders at Mt. Abe! ( And, lucky enough to work with some of the students I knew from MCS)
I am the school counselor for all four teams in the middle school, both 7th and 8th grade.
About Me:
Previously, I have worked as the school counselor for Monkton Elementary School, Champlain Valley Union High School, and Otter Valley Union High School. I also have experience as a private practice clinician and a crisis clinician at our local mental health agency (CSAC). I graduated from Hampshire College in Massachusetts, and completed my graduate education at Antioch University in Keene, NH. I have a Master's degree in Counseling, and am a licensed Psychologist-MA here in Vermont. My partner, Michael and I live in Lincoln. Our two children graduated from Mt. Abe (2014, 2016) and are out in the world, making their way. I worked at Mt. Abe as the Middle School Counselor way back in 2008 as well.
Middle School Counseling Program at Mt. Abraham:
Middle School Counselors provide individual, small group, and classroom interventions, including push-in services (working in the classrooms with all students). The counselor also works on schedules for electives (music and languages). Referrals come from teachers, parents, guardians, students, and from the Education Support Team. The counseling program is developmentally based, using short-term, research-based interventions that focus on helping students succeed academically. All students have access to their school counselor for 1-4 visits per year. Students who require more in-school counseling will be recommended for an EST, where families, teachers, and learning specialists will discuss needs and goals for counseling. Advisors and core teachers will contact families when they feel there is a problem.
Please contact me with any questions you may have about your child’s needs. Mt. Abraham places a high value on the family/school connection, and we want to hear from you regarding any questions or concerns that you may have.
Transition Time Line, Class of 2024 (Incoming 7th graders) 2018
Please make sure your elementary school has your correct mailing information! The elementary schools send your contact information to Mt. Abe and this is the only way we have of sending out transition information.
In April each year, parent information letters are sent home to incoming 6th graders. In May, an informational evening will be held for families. This is an adult-focused evening. Step Up Day, where current 6th graders come to Mt. Abe for a morning to learn about the middle school, will happen in June. Your letters will contain more detailed information about the 6-7 transition process.
Elementary teachers will divide their school's 6th graders into two balanced groups for placement on teams here at Mt. Abe. middle school students are on-team for English, Social Studies, Science and advisory. Lunch, math, arts, health, PE, technology education are off-team, and mixed with the entire team.
The SBC's will run a transition group in early August, open to any student. This group will give students a chance to meet other students, to familiarize them with the building, and to help relieve anxieties about coming to Mt. Abe next year. Referrals can be made through your elementary school counselor, who will send contact information to the elementary School-Based Clinicians.
Students/families will receive team placement letters from the middle school administration over the summer.
The first day of school is a half day, with only 7th and 9th graders in the building, where students get their schedule and have a chance to open lockers, sit in classes, and begin their school year.
Transition Time Line, 8th to 9th grade, class of 2022
November, December, January- 8th grade students work in classroom or small groups to work on four year planning and goals for the future. In February, students will enter their course requests into the program PowerSchool. In June, students will have a chance to run through their new schedules during the Step Up Day. Students can add/drop classes until the add/drop period is over (first day of classes of a new semester). The course registration book is on-line Course Selection Guide
Please contact Ann anytime with questions or concerns about the upcoming transition. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Info
Email: AFisher@anesu.org
Phone: (802) 453-2333
Fax: (802) 453-4726
Useful Links
Transition to Middle School:
http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/middle-school.html KidsHealth has some great information on lots of topics for adolescence, including a piece on moving to middle school.
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-middle.html 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School
Guiding Your Child through Transitions: Middle School
Dr. Sharon Sevier
Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements and College
http://www.nebhe.org/info/pdf/policy/Policy_Spotlight_How_Colleges_Evaluate_PB_HS_Transcripts_April_2016.pdf
Early College and Career Exploration Sites:
A Middle School Parent’s College Prep Guide
http://www.mynextmove.org/ Great website for early career and college exploration; gives user information on what skills and education are needed for an array of jobs.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
Use the "get started" button to find information on self awareness, inside and outside the classroom, information for parents, and other important information regarding planning for the future. A bit more high school based, but still good for 8th graders ready to think about college/futures. You can also search for colleges on this site
Family Support
http://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/
We are here to listen and help with any needs or concerns you may have related to you or your child’s health, education, or well-being. Vermont Family Network (VFN) empowers and supports all Vermont families of children with special needs so that all children reach their potential.
Tamara Chanksy’s website good information and resource for anxiety issues
http://www.pcavt.org/index.php?id=84 PCAV Parents' Stress Line
The Parents' Stress Line is a resource devoted to parents, professionals, and community members for parenting support, resources and referrals. The Stress Line is open Monday - Friday from 9AM - 5PM. The toll free phone number within Vermont is 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373). We can also be reached through PCAV’s main phone number at 802-229-5724.
Academic links: