Transition

6th Grade
Students entering sixth grade are provided with a tour of Higgins Middle School in the spring of their fifth grade school year.

An Open House will be held on May 18 during the evening for parents/guardians of fifth graders to visit Higgins and have their questions answered.

Mrs. Theriault is working with the Student Executive Council to create a video which will be shared with the elementary students. The video will include a tour of the school and input from successful 8th graders who have experienced the transition to middle school.

8th Grade
Students applying to private, parochial, or vocational schools must do the following in the fall of their eighth grade year:

  • Call the high school you're interested in to obtain admission requirements
  • Register for and take any admission tests
  • Complete a release of records form at HMS
  • Complete the application forms
  • Submit applications, with references if necessary, to the appropriate Guidance Counselor at least two weeks prior to the deadline (most deadlines are January 1st)
  • Prepare for interviews, if required

In the Fall and Spring, PVMHS has an Open House for all eighth grade students and their parents/guardians.

Eighth graders are provided with course selection books from PVMHS. Students have limited time to review the books and are encouraged to complete the selection sheets prior to meeting with the appropriate High School Guidance Counselors when they come to HMS.

Once students meet with the High School Guidance Counselors, their course selections are submitted into a computerized scheduling system at the High School. Any questions regarding courses should be directed to the appropriate High School Guidance Counselor.

Eighth graders participate in the Moving on Ceremony at Higgins in June.

Freshman receive Orientation at PVMHS in August.


Advice for eighth grade students about the transition to high school:

  • Get acquainted with your guidance counselor.
  • Join a club; try out for a sport; sign up for marching band, chorus or color guard. This will help you find friends who share your interests.
  • Don't change yourself just to fit in. Be yourself, and you will eventually find students who share your same interests.
  • Be prepared for situations that might happen. Think about what you will do or say if someone offers you a cigarette, alcohol or drugs. 
  • Expect that you will have to work hard. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.
  • Keep yourself balanced. You need to have time for fun and time for work.
  • If you run into a problem, talk to your counselor. Your friends may not always give you the best advice.
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