For Fulmer Middle School eighth-graders and their families, the future is here – and there’s no time like the present to plan for it.

That was the goal of the school’s 8th Grade Information Night, held in late August and hosted by the counseling department. Families were introduced to a wealth of resources and opportunities available to students as they look ahead to wrapping up their middle school time and heading to high school next year.

Right: Among members of Fulmer’s new Future Ready Advisory Program are, from left, 8th grade social studies teacher Mason Payne, 8th grade science teacher Haley Christiansen, school social worker Layla Sewell, 8th grade school counselor Keely Ballentine, and 8th grade science teacher Angela Kodek.

Among the event’s topics:

• Preliminary SAT (PSAT), a standardized practice test for the SAT 
• Individual Graduation Plans
• Career Day Expo
• GPA for high school level courses
• 8th Grade Industry Showcase
• Lexington Two Innovation Center field trip and pathway/program opportunities
• High school tour (tentatively scheduled for February)
• YouScience Aptitude and Career Discovery 
• Introduction to new Future Ready Advisory Program, pairing students and faculty for mentoring and advisement
• Honors courses for 8th-graders
• Spring MAP and SC Ready in April/May

Layla Sewell, a school social worker, said the Fulmer team was pleased with interest in the event, noting more than 150 students and family members attended.

Special thanks to GEAR UP, through the University of South Carolina’s College of Education, for partnering with Fulmer on the event to promote college and career readiness.