Counselor Connect Pre-Survey

Please help me know what you already understand about counselor services for 8th grade and what you want to learn.

1. How well do you understand what a school counselor does for 8th-grade students? Circle one: 1 – Not at all  2  3  4  5 – Very well
2. Which of these do you think a school counselor can help you with as an 8th grader? (Check all that apply)
   [ ] Help with classwork and homework
   [ ] Help with problems with friends or feeling stressed
   [ ] Planning for 8th-grade courses and exploring interests
   [ ] Small group activities or workshops
   [ ] Other: _______________________________
3. What is one question you have about the school counselor or how to get help in 8th grade?

1. How comfortable would you feel talking to the counselor if you needed help as an 8th grader? Circle one: 1 – Not comfortable  2  3  4  5 – Very comfortable
2. What are you most excited to learn or do during today’s 8th-grade session?

Thank you for your honest answers!

Counselor Connect Post-Survey

Thanks for joining today’s session! Please answer these quick questions about our 8th-grade session.

1. How confident do you feel about asking the school counselor for help during your 8th-grade year? Circle one: 1 – Not confident  2  3  4  5 – Very confident
2. What is one thing you learned or enjoyed today in our session?

1. Do you have any questions about the counselor or the services available to 8th graders?

1. How could future sessions be even better for 8th-grade students?

Thank you for your feedback!

Counselor Connect Script

0:00–0:05 – Pre-Survey

Teacher: “Good morning, everyone! Today is our Counselor Connect session. I’m going to give you a short survey called the Counselor Connect Pre-Survey. This helps me know what you already understand about my job and what you’d like to learn. You have five minutes to finish it. When you’re done, please turn it in quietly. Ready? Go!”

[Set timer for 5 minutes; circulate and collect surveys.]

0:05–0:15 – Name Tent Icebreaker

Teacher: “Nice work on the surveys! Now let’s make name tents so I can learn your names and something about you.

1. Take a blank name-tent card and some markers.
2. On one side, write your name in big letters.
3. On the other side, draw or write one thing you enjoy—like a hobby, sport, favorite game, or a fun fact about yourself.

You have five minutes. Begin now.”

[Set timer for 5 minutes.]

Teacher: “Time’s up! Now, turn to a classmate, show your name tent, and tell them about your drawing. You have two minutes.”

[Set timer for 2 minutes.]

Teacher: “Great sharing! Now stand your tents up so we can all see them.”

0:15–0:30 – Counselor Introduction & Services Overview

Teacher: “Let’s switch to the slides. I want you to know who I am, what I do, and how you can work with me.”

[Show slide 1 from the Counselor Connect Slides.]

Teacher: “Welcome to Counselor Connect—meet your school counselor!”

[Advance to slide 2.]

Teacher: “Here’s What We’ll Do Today:

• Meet our counselor
• Learn how they can help you this year
• Practice asking for help when you need it”

[Advance to slide 3.]

Teacher: “We follow these ASCA Standards:
• M-2: Believe in yourself
• B-SMS 7: Manage your feelings and actions
• B-SS 3: Build positive relationships”

[Advance to slide 4.]

Teacher: “Help with Schoolwork: I can give you tips for homework and studying in 8th grade, help you stay organized each day, and help you plan your 9th-grade courses. Who here ever wished someone could help you plan your study time?”

[Pause for a few hands or comments.]

[Advance to slide 5.]

Teacher: “Help with Feelings & Friends: We can talk one-on-one if you’re worried about something, join small groups for friendship skills or stress relief, or get help solving problems with classmates. Everything you share is private unless someone’s safety is at risk. Any questions about privacy?”

[Pause for questions.]

[Advance to slide 6.]

Teacher: “Looking Ahead: Let’s explore clubs and activities you could join, plan your 9th-grade courses and electives, and try fun quizzes to find your interests and strengths. Who’s excited to think about next year?”

[Pause for reactions.]

[Advance to slide 7.]

Teacher: “How to Visit Me: You can stop by my office during free time, drop a note with your question, or send me an email. It’s easy—just reach out!”

[Advance to slide 8.]

Teacher: “Now it’s your turn: What questions do you have about talking with me or my services?”

[Allow 3–4 minutes of Q&A. Prompt gently if needed: “For example, ‘How do I join a small group?’ or ‘What happens in a one-on-one?’”]

0:30–0:40 – Q&A & Norms Discussion

Teacher: “Thanks for those great questions. Next, let’s set some classroom norms so everyone feels safe and respected when we meet. Think of one rule—like keeping conversations private, listening carefully, or being kind—and share it. I’ll write them on the chart paper.”

[Collect student ideas and record them visibly.]

Teacher: “Awesome! These norms will stay up so we all remember how to work together.”

0:40–0:45 – Post-Survey & Wrap-Up

Teacher: “We’re almost done. Please complete the Counselor Connect Post-Survey. Tell me how confident you feel about asking for help, what you learned today, and any questions you still have. You have four minutes. Begin now.”

[Set timer for 4 minutes and collect surveys.]

Teacher: “Thank you for your feedback! Keep your name tents up so I can learn your names, and remember—you can visit me anytime you need support. Have a fantastic day!”