HGMS Counseling Connection

Thank you for taking the time to read our 5th Grade Transition newsletter. We hope you find the information useful as you navigate the transition between elementary school and middle school. We know that it can feel overwhelming and our goal is to put much of this information into one place for you to readily access.

We will visit all of our 8 feeder elementary schools during the month of December to introduce ourselves, present to students about Garcia Middle School, and answer any burning questions. It is always a highlight of our year- being able to meet our future Gladiators! The students really bring the excitement and it is so much fun to visit them on campus!

Before we know it, the end of the year will be here! Please read below to find information on the HGMS Counseling Department, course selection process, electives, and much more! Updates will be added to the newsletter as the year continues.

We are looking forward to working with you and you child next year! Until then, take care and stay well!

Kindest regards,

The HGMS Counseling Department

Your child's elementary counselor will facilitate their course selection for next year. The HGMS Counseling Office has provided them with the tools needed to select classes with 5th graders.

Elementary campuses will set up their specific timeline during the window provided by the district. Please be sure to follow their deadline. Please note: it does not matter the order in which the course requests are entered during the district window. We will work together to get course selections for all incoming students.

STEP 1- Parents & Students will complete the Course Planning Guide:

-The elementary school counselor will send a copy of the course planning guide home with your child.

-Please talk to your child about the course choices and make your selections.

STEP 2- Students will bring their completed planning guide back to their elementary campus.

STEP 3 - Students will use their planning guide to complete the NISD Home Access registration with their elementary school counselor

-All students will be registered by the elementary school counselor in the NISD computer system.

STEP 4- GARCIA MS will Confirm Student Course Requests with completed Planning Guide.

-The deadline for making any course changes will be March 7, 2025.

-In the event you need to make a change, please fill out the form located at the end of this newsletter titled "Course Change Request Form for the 2025-2026 School Year"

Your child will receive the Course Selection Planning Guide from their elementary campuses. This document will be sent home with your child to review and choose classes with them.

Pictured below is what the Course Selection Planning looks like. I have also included a PDF version you can download if you wish.

Your child will turn in their Course Selection Planning Guide to their elementary counselor. These will be transferred to Garcia MS for our records.

**If a planning guide is not returned, Garcia counselors will select courses, including the student's elective.

-To review the middle school course catalog and other elective information, please click on the button and links below.

Use the link below to submit an application. Access to the google form is only available through the Northside portal. Students accepted to the AVID program will take AVID in place of advisory.

Do you need to make a course request change? Use the link below to submit your request.

While most students are excited to start middle school, some students may be feeling nervous and apprehensive. Some common middle school concerns include: managing homework, meeting new friends, dressing out for PE, being bullied, and changing classes. With that said, it is important to keep the lines of communication open in talking to your child, especially in the first few weeks of school.

• Make yourself available to listen to your child- If your child wants to talk, make time for them and be present. Learn the times your child is most talkative and open to conversation.

• Listen to your child's concerns- If your child has a concern, listen to it and try not to minimize the concern. Help your child to figure out how to solve the issue or deal with it in order to move forward.

• Ask open-ended questions- By asking open-ended questions, it opens the doors for your child to speak in depth. Instead of asking, "How was school today, " state, "Tell me about your day."

• Pay attention to your child's nonverbal communication- Kids can't always verbalize their feelings, therefore, you need to pay attention to eating and sleeping patterns, moods, body language, and academic performance. These can all be helpful indicators of how things are going for your child at school or with friends.

Counseling Department Twitter: @HGMSCounseling

Counseling Department Instagram:@GARCIA_COUNSELING_DEPT

Garcia Twitter: @NISDGarcia

Garcia Instagram: NISDGarcia

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Garcia PTA Facebook: www.hgmspta.com