Important Information for Mansfield Middle School 8th Graders

The following information is provided by the :

Dear 8^th Grade MMS Families,

We welcome you and your family to an exciting year filled with many opportunities to explore post middle school educational options.

The School Counseling Department along with the 8th grade team has scheduled informational sessions for the students to learn about these options.  These sessions will take place during the school day so that all students will hear about each opportunity. We encourage families to talk with their students about the options presented and to visit the web sites of these options for additional information.

On Thursday, October 4th, the E.O. Smith Agricultural Education Program, will explain the many possibilities that the program allows as well as the procedures for applying and the deadline for applying. The website for the E.O. Smith Ag-Ed Program is

http://www.eosmith.org/index.php/agricultural-education.

On Thursday, October 11th, the Arts at the Capitol Theater Program will share information about this unique full-day magnet school program for the performing and visual arts located in Willimantic. For additional information, please visit the website: http://www.eastconn.org/act. This site will provide families with information on visiting the school and application procedures and deadlines.

On Wednesday, November 21st, Windham Technical High School will explain their array of programs and share with our 8th graders the procedures for applying. The website for Windham Tech is http://www.cttech.org/windham/ if you need information

Students will be reminded of impending application deadlines through morning and afternoon announcements which will direct them to return completed applications to Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Melody, the School Counselors, by specific deadlines. It is very important that students return these applications in accordance with these directives so that the students will not be excluded from these opportunities by the high schools to which they are applying.

In addition to these visits, also on November 21^st, we have planned for the 8th graders to experience a Career Day in which students will have the opportunity to learn about three careers and how to best prepare for these careers through guest speaker presentations.

E.O. Smith High School will also schedule an evening presentation for parents in March in which information regarding program opportunities will be shared.  A letter will be sent to MMS families from E.O. Smith in February providing more details about the transition which most MMS students will make to E.O. Smith.

Should any MMS 8^th graders wish to apply to private schools which require more extensive written applications, we ask that families allow ample time for MMS staff to complete our portion of the application. This often includes writing student recommendations and mailing student school records.

We look forward to working with you and your child in their final year here at MMS.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kristina Lee and Mrs. Eileen Melody

School Counselors