HMS Counselors
In a world where you can be anything,
BE KIND.
6th Grade: Mrs. Jacobson
My name is Stephanie Jacobson this is my 13th year at HMS. This year I will work primarily with our 6th grade students. I will remain with this class of 2030 students during their years at the Middle school.
This year I will mainly work with our 6th-grade students. At HMS, the counselors get to rotate with the class, so I get to move from 6th to 7th to 8th grades with the graduating class of 2030. Our sixth-grade curriculum focuses on some of the topics our kids deal with as they enter their middle school years. (Mindfulness, Anxiety, Conflict Resolution, Social Supports, Stress & Social Media) I have the opportunity to get to know students in the classroom when I am teaching, in small groups, and during individual appointments. I am excited for a brand new year with new experiences! Let's make 2023-24 our best year yet.
7th Grade: Mrs. Hoppe
My name is Jill Hoppe and this is my eighth year as a counselor at Hastings Middle School. I previously worked as a sixth-grade reading teacher. I am delighted to work with the Class of 2029. Please feel free to contact me at jill.hoppe@hpstigers.org or 402.461.7600.
I get to see students in the classroom once or twice a month, in small groups and individually in my office. Our 7th-grade Counseling curriculum encourages students to make healthy decisions in school and when they are hanging out with their friends. This classroom time is a great time for me to get to know students better. I am excited to get to work with this crew of students again and am ready for great year!
Go Tigers!
8th Grade: Mrs. Kimle
My name is Michele Kimle and this will be my 17th year at Hastings Middle School. I love working with the students and staff at HMS- this is an awesome place to be! I have gotten to work with the class of 2029 for the last two years and am excited for a new year! Please feel free to contact me at michele.kimle@hpstigers.org or 402.461.7534.
This year I will be working with our 8th-grade students. We will start the year preparing for our Reality Store project in October. This is a great way for our 8th-graders to dig a little deeper into their interests, as well as experience the expenses of being an adult. In January we will discuss class options for Hastings High School and will register for 9th-grade classes. High school counselors will travel to the HMS to individually meet with students about their plans. We will also be discussing post-secondary options in preparation for our college visits in March, where students will learn about what Hastings Community College and Hastings College have to offer! I will continue to get to know students in the classroom when I am teaching, in small groups, and during individual appointments. Let's have an AWESOME year!
8th Grade Links for Careers/Guidance:
True Cost of College Breakdown
High High Skill, High Wage, and High Demand Occupations
We are excited to introduce you to the newest member of the Hastings Middle School team, meet Ms. Mazy Mae. Mazy is a 2 year old Golden Retriever Therapy dog. Mazy will accompany Mrs. Jacobson to school at various times throughout the week.
Mazy will work closely with the students to help them grow both academically and behaviorally. Students will be able to schedule time to meet with Mazy.
Below are some of the benefits of a Therapy dog and some of the ways that Mazy will be "working" in the HMS building.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A THERAPY DOG AT SCHOOL:
· Cognitive: companionship with a dog stimulates memory and problem-solving
· Social: a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion: encouraging responsibility, wellbeing and positive interactions with others
· Emotional: a dog at school improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, lifts mood, can help teach compassion, empathy and respect for others
· Physical: interactions with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation and often provides motivation to complete tasks
Student Expectations: Therapy Dog
Permission
· Ask permission from the adult to interact with the dog
· Permission allowed at times that won't disrupt or distract others
· Move on if not given permission
Approach and Ask
· Approach with no more than 3 other students
· Approach by letting the dog sniff your hand first
· Ask the dog to sit before petting
Wait and Watch
· Wait your turn with calm voice and body
· Watch how others gently talk and pet her
Soft Voice, Soft Touch
· Voices at a level 1 or 2
· Gentle touch when petting