Counselor Quick Guide
Counselor Quick Guide
Lesson: High School Launch (ML Focus)
Duration: 25 Minutes
This fast-paced lesson is designed for 8th-grade ML students to demystify high school and provide actionable summer steps.
Objective
Students will identify three major changes in high school and select one goal for their transition summer.
Pacing Breakdown
3 min
Warm-up & Feelings Check
Use Slide 2. Allow students to point to emojis or use simple words to describe their feelings about high school.
7 min
The Big Changes (Expectations)
Use Slide 3 & 4. Focus on "Credits" and "GPA"—new concepts for many students. Use visual examples of a transcript.
7 min
Summer Success (Working/Volunteering)
Use Slide 5. Discuss how "working" at 14 often looks like volunteering, helping neighbors, or summer camps.
8 min
Future Map Activity
Distribute the worksheet. Help students fill out their "One Big Goal" and "One Big Question."
ML Support Strategies
- Visual Aids: Use the icons on the slides and worksheet to anchor vocabulary.
- Sentence Frames: Provide "I feel ___ because ___" or "This summer, I will ___."
- Wait Time: Allow 5-10 seconds after asking a question for processing.
- Check for Understanding: Ask "Show me a thumbs up if you understand 'GPA'."
Launchpad Slides
Class of 2030
High School
Launch
Your guide to the big transition, summer goals, and future success.
How are you feeling about High School?
🤩
Excited
🤔
Nervous
😎
Ready
🧐
Curious
"I feel _________ because _________."
High School: The Big Changes
Credits
Pass the class = Earn a credit. You need credits to graduate!
GPA (Grades)
Your grades from 9th grade stay on your record forever.
Schedules
You might have different classes every day. Passing periods are shorter!
Independence
You are responsible for your work and your choices.
Summer for 8th Graders
How can you use your time before high school?
Volunteer
Help at a library, a food bank, or an animal shelter. It looks great for college!
Skill Up
Learn coding, graphic design, or a new language. Start a small "business" (mowing lawns, pet sitting).
Stay Active
Join a summer sport league or attend a high school orientation camp.
Secrets to Success
1
Attendance: Show up every day. You can't learn if you're not there!
2
Ask Questions: If you are confused, talk to your teachers or counselor.
3
Get Involved: Join ONE club or sport. It makes high school fun!
You've Got This!
Time to map out your own journey. Open your Future Map worksheet.
Finish 8th Grade Strong
Blast Off to High School
Future Map Worksheet
MY FUTURE MAP
Full Name:
Today's Date:
High School:
Dream Job:
How are you feeling today?
Circle the emoji that matches your mood about high school.
🤩 Excited
🤔 Nervous
😎 Ready
🧐 Curious
😴 Tired
My Summer Success Plan
What is ONE thing you will do this summer to prepare or learn?
I will...
Volunteer at a library
Practice my English
Start a lawn-mowing job
My Goal
One thing I want to achieve in 9th grade:
Involvement
One club or sport I want to join:
My Big Question
What is one question you have for your new high school counselor?