1. Tackling Transition As An Elementary School Counselor “Dare to Dream” – NCSCA Conference November 2011 Copyright 2011- Angela Poovey, M.Ed, NBCT K 3rd 5th

2. General Information Counselor website/blog: www.ddescounselor.weebly.com www.ddescounselor.weebly.com – Google, Weebly, PBSworks.com PTA Newsletter articles Parent Involvement: Workshops, letters, all calls

3. Transition to Kindergarten School behavior lessons in August/September – Use SOAR acronym and tie into our PBiS system Photo Story Project – Introduce school personnel – School procedures (Cafeteria, Carpool/Bus) – Schoolwide programs (PBiS, Title I, ESL) – Academic skills (literacy, math, language acquisition) Kindergarten Readiness Bags – Grant – Donorschoose.org – School supply drive BE CREATIVE!

4. Transition to Kindergarten Framework 1.Parent Meeting/Tours – April 2011 a)General information b)Show classrooms 2.Distribution of Kindergarten “readiness bags” a)Things to do over the summer 3.Distribution of Photo Story DVD (example) : Given at parent meeting and throughout the summer as students are enrolled.

5. Transition to Third Grade “Parents As Learning Supporters” (P.A.L.S) Workshop Framework 1. P.A.L.S Workshop - May 2011 2. Parent Survey- September 2011 3. P.A.L.S Workshop- October 2011 Classroom Lessons Four lessons in the Spring of second grade year; Self-Assessment and informal pre/post surveys Four lessons in Fall of third grade year; Pre and Post Surveys

6. Transition to Third Grade (P.A.L.S) Workshops – How to help with homework – Reading/Math strategies – Summer learning ideas – Online academic resources – Test anxiety – Standardized Testing info/Test strategies – General nutrition/health – Social changes

7. P.A.L.S Workshop Cont…. Included experts from Curriculum and Instruction, Title I, support staff, third grade teachers Second grade teachers assisted with childcare and activity for rising students. – “Day in the Life” of a third grader video – Flashcards – Decorating EOG test strategies bookmark – Exploring online academic resources

8. Classroom Guidance Lessons Topics: Setting SMART Goals Organization: desk, time, binder, bookbag Positive attitude toward learning: Accepting Mistakes Responsibility Making Friends Homework Test-taking strategies

9. Survey Results 100% of survey respondents would attend another P.A.L.S workshop (from Spring 2011) 100% of survey respondents said the P.A.L.S workshops had helped them make their child’s transition go more smoothly (from Fall 2011) 93% stated the P.A.L.S workshop was “Very Helpful” (Both workshops) Data informed the topics we presented in the Fall

10. Transition to Fifth Grade Parent Information Session – Review middle school electives – Social changes – Schedule changes – Increasing independence Middle School Parent Brochure (example) Middle School Tour (with all fifth graders) Pen Pal letters

11. Handouts/Questions Handouts – Lesson examples – Middle school brochure Thanks for coming! Please feel free to email me at apoovey1@wcpss.net with questions.apoovey1@wcpss.net