Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. presents guidance lessons to all students through a Comprehensive, Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program. The foundation of the program is to provide developmentally appropriate assistance for all students. The lessons are designed to help students acquire knowledge and skills to enhance their personal, social, and educational development.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

January TBA - 8th Grade Transition Parent Meeting
February TBA - 6th & 7th Grade Gear Up Parent Meeting

6TH GRADE

Welcome to Middle School: Students receive a guidance lesson designed to address age-appropriate issues and situations that are relevant to adolescents.  We explore examples for specific topics and role play. Students discuss how to handle specific situations for each topic and are allowed to ask questions.  The following topics are covered:

• Introduction to 6th grade counselor and counseling office
• Reporting vs. Tattling
• Teasing
• Friendships
• Social Media
• Assertiveness
• Rumors

Career Cruising: Career Cruising is a self-exploration and planning program that helps student achieve their potential in school career in life.  Students will complete a brief interest inventory and activity that outlines that their findings.  This lesson gives the students the opportunity to:

• Build self-awareness by learning about their interests, skills, preferences and aspirations  
• Explore options by learning different career possibilities and education pathways
• Plan – choose courses needed in middle and high school to achieve their post– high school goals.

7TH GRADE

Duke Talent Identification Program: Eligible 7th graders who meet the criteria to participate in Duke TIP receive information about the program.  Students qualify based on their 5th or 6th grade STAAR results.  Students who choose to participate will take a college entrance exam and those who score particularly high, may be invited to participate in summer programs and other recognition ceremonies.

Career Cruising: Career Cruising is a self-exploration and planning program that helps student achieve their potential in school career in life.  Students will complete a brief interest inventory and activity that outlines that their findings.  This lesson gives the students the opportunity to:

• Build self-awareness by learning about their interests, skills, preferences and aspirations  
• Explore options by learning different career possibilities and education pathways
• Plan – choose courses needed in middle and high school to achieve their post– high school goals.

8TH GRADE

In an effort to support students as they plan for their future, we have implemented an Advisory Guidance Program that will allow 8th grade students to explore their high school and post high school options. 

The program is designed to introduce students to the new Texas High School Graduation Plan (Foundation High School Program + Endorsement), explore career options related to each endorsement, and create a 4-Year Plan for high school that will support their college and career goals.

 Campus Program Components:

• In-depth exploration of each endorsement area and related careers
• Course requirements for graduation\
• Career Cruising Assessment to measure interests and abilities
• Course selection for 9th grade and development of a 4-Year Plan
• 8th grade Parent meeting to review graduation plans – February 11, 2016

District Activities:

In addition to the Campus Program, the district host the following activities:

• “Keeping the Options Open” – 8th to 9th transition meeting hosted by the high schools

If you have any questions about the guidance lessons for any grade level, please contact the Thornton Middle School counseling office.

Thornton Counselors

6th Shante Taylor
7th Dellionne Davenport
8th Alicia Ridge
Testing /504  Erica Wells