Promising Practices

Bowling Green Junior High School

Power Pact

Power Pact is individual sessions to assist 8th grade students and their parents in creating a positive transition to high school by building a plan to help them make informed decisions about which academic classes to take and how to plan for college. Throughout the school year the counselors talk about postsecondary education options during classroom guidance sessions. Last year over 200 parents attended. IGP's and registration for 228 of our 264 eighth grade students were completed that day.

In the spring the counselor in cooperation with the eighth grade teachers, provides a unit entitled Getting Ready for High School. Power Pact is the culminating activity for this unit. Students are involved in the following activities: career interest inventory at kuder.com, career exploration, career clusters, resume writing, choices after high school, diploma requirements, financial aide, ninth grade registration, orientation visit to high school, planning for high school and beyond through Individual Graduation Plan development. A tentative IGP is completed. Each parent is scheduled to attend an individual meeting with their child and an advisor.

The first stop is to review their career assessment results, career clusters (KY), high school graduation requirements, registration for 9th grade, and their Individual Graduation Plan (IGP). The next stop is to "clear" their plan with a high school counselor. Their third stop (optional) is to view a video entitled Unlock the Future and peruse financial aide material from KHEAA, Kentucky ESPT, GEAR UP, FAFSA, etc. Refreshments and a sign up for prizes are also available. Parents complete an evaluation form.

Scheduling of parents is handled through the school counseling office. Each parent is notified by mail of the time of their session. Changes are made upon request. Bus transportation is offered from each elementary school. Last year no one chose to utilize this resource.

Power Pact advisors include counselors, teachers, Youth Service Center staff, parents and community members who are interested in being properly trained. Everyone attends a training session that addresses the following areas: career assessment, Individual Graduation Plans, diploma requirements, registration for 9th graders, postsecondary options, and financial aid. Advisors must become familiar with their packet of materials and understand the requirements.

The approximate cost for the event was $1,400.

Standards and Indicators for Success:

• The school works with families to remove barriers to learning in an effort to meet the intellectual, social, career, and developmental needs of students
  
  
• The school functions as an effective learning community and supports a climate conducive to performance excellence
  
  
• Teachers communicate regularly about student progress
  
  
• Families are active partners in the educational process and work together to promote services for all students
  
  

Contact Information:

Mary Higgins, Ed.S., LPCC
Bowling Green Jr. High School
900 Campbell Lane
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 746-2290
Fax: (270) 746-2297
mhiggins@b-g.k12.ky.us