Home and School Together
Computer Animation Club
Beginning on March 30th until May 11th, students are invited to join Computer Animation Club which meets from 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM in Room 221. Each Monday, students will learn how to tell stories using computer animation. Instructors from Juniata College will teach students how to use a computer program called Alice, which was developed by Carnegie Mellon University. Information Technology represents a new and ever changing field in the world of careers. It is our goal that students who excel and enjoy computer animation will pursue programs in postsecondary studies and find fulfilling professions. Although space is limited, interested students can join by having a parent/guardian complete a permission slip located in the office.
Financial Aid Night
Did you know that you can apply for grants and scholarships regarding post secondary studies beginning in the seventh grade of your child’s educational journey? Do you want to help your son or daughter avoid accumulating a mountain of debt to obtain a degree from a college or trade school? Come and learn more during the first Financial Aid Night at Huntingdon Area Middle School on May 19, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the Large Group Room. Mr. Dan Wray from Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will provide valuable information for all. Our eighth grade students were so inspired by this individual that they requested that Mr. Wray return for an evening discussion with adults. Please read about Mr. Wray’s biographical information below and come. Light refreshments will be provided.
Dan Wray is a regional representative for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), a state agency whose primary goal is “Making Higher Education Affordable”.
Dan spent his youth laboring on construction sites, mounting tires, pumping gas, mowing lawns, and doing a whole lot of other things that convinced him to go on to higher education. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and commission as an Ensign from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, way back “when ships were wood and men were iron”. OK, maybe not quite that long ago.
During eleven years with the Coast Guard, Dan did a whole lot of the things you see in the movie “The Guardian” with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner, as well as a ton of things Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner were afraid to do. He spent many months north of the Arctic Circle on the polar icebreaker Northwind; played wing on the Coast Guard Academy’s rugby team; sailed on the square-rigger Eagle; and in the process traveled to 48 states, 2 US territories, and 35 foreign countries.
Since his Coast Guard days, Dan has worked for Penn State and several financial assistance organizations, helping students (including his own five children) maximize their gifts, achieve a higher education, and find their dream career.
Classroom Lessons
Each month, the school counselor visits the classroom to provide lessons pertaining to the academic, social, and career development of all students. Sixth graders have acquired strategies to address relational aggression and establish new friendships; seventh graders have learned about online safety, completed interest inventories, and further explored the difficult reality of bullying; eighth graders have engaged in career exploration and how to improve peer relationships.
Teen Issues Group
Every Tuesday, students have the opportunity to participate in a group facilitated by the school counselor and professionals from Mainstream Counseling as well as the Youth Advocate Program. Students, with teacher permission, meet weekly during lunch to discuss an array of issues which may include: careers, study strategies, friendship skills, conflict resolution, grief/loss, setting goals, divorce, bullying, drug and alcohol prevention, coping skills, peer pressure, tolerance, health & wellness, or depression. The goals of the group are to generate positive thinking and enhance the social, academic, as well as career growth of young people. The group is limited to 6-8 students. Students benefit from group interaction and the presence of three professionals who aspire to work with children. If you would like your child to participate in this unique experience, please contact the school counseling office.
Career Cafe
Over the course of the year, professionals have met with interested students during lunch to discuss careers. We have been honored by the information shared by Mary Jane Smith of MJEMS photography, Pam Houldin of Horsepower Farm for therapeutic horsemanship, Brad Clark of the Pennsylvania State Police regarding special emergency response team (SERT), and Mindy Sullivan, physician assistant, from Pediatrics and Beyond. On April 17, 2015 students will have the opportunity to speak with individuals who will be graduating from college in law, business management (Actuary) and Math. Additionally, discussion on athletics/sports and being a positive role-model.
Tours of Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center and Juniata College
All middle school students are invited to tour the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center and Juniata College. The school counselor takes a van of students to HCCTC once a month as weather permits. Adolescents may choose two areas of interest from an array of programs entailing computer servicing, automotive mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, cosmetology, culinary arts, and many others. Students may learn about life in a post-secondary setting by taking a walking tour of Juniata College. Please contact the school counseling office if you would like your child to participate in these career development activities.
Job Shadowing
Efforts are being made to coordinate a job shadowing experience for middle school students. More details will be offered as soon as possible.