6th Grade
Introduce note-taking and other study skills for middle school success
Complete learning style inventory
Take Holland Career Interest survey
- View careers that fit their personality style
Introduce SMART goal setting
7th Grade
Create a resume
Review Holland Career types
Complete Strengths Explore
Introduce post-secondary options
Discuss motivation and mindset
8th Grade
Explore Career Cluster Model
Attend 8th Grade Career Fair
Discuss High School Options (magnet, charter, traditional, and pathway)
Introduce credits/transcripts
Explore college costs/post-secondary options
ICAP
Individual Career and Academic Plans
ICAP lessons are the basic foundation for students to explore their career passions and opportunities. Starting in sixth grade and continuing throughout high school, students create and update an ongoing plan which includes counselor-led activities on career interests, goal setting, college opportunities, financial aid, and noncognitive skills which increase academic success.
The School Counselor offers services in three Domains:

Personal/Social
Individual or Group meetings
Peer/friendship concerns
Crisis intervention
School adjustment concerns
Referrals to community agencies

Academic
Study skills
High school choice support/planning
Academic planning
5th to 6th, 8th to 9th transitions
Goal setting
Class scheduling support

College/Career
Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAP) classroom and small group lessons
College tours
College/Career lessons for Advisement
Provide support with AVID program
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|
Merrill Middle School
School Counseling
Welcome! Here you will find information about how the school counseling program serves Merrill Middle School students. We aim to provide comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive services to empower all students as they prepare for success in college, career, and the world. All students are encouraged to pursue high academic achievement, career exploration, and personal/social growth.