ExploRIII 2014 Volume 2 | Page 46

46 BSOC: Big School on Campus Armed with three counselors and dozens of volunteers, Troy Middle School (TMS) took 500 eighth grade students to a college campus. Over a period of three days the Counseling Department orchestrated the half-day field trip for the students with a 10 to 1 ratio at Lindenwood University. According to the counselors, Lindenwood University was the only institute that did not balk at the sheer size of the group. Lindenwood tour guides provided students with an extensive view of college life. Students are able to view the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, a typical classroom, and a lecture hall. The eighth grade students also peeked into life as a college student by visiting Evans Commons and eating lunch in the cafeteria. Prior to the college visit, Michelle Johnson, former middle school counselor, administered the EXPLORE test to the eighth grade students. She describes the test as a mini ACT. It’s a timed test over four content areas – Science, Math, Reading and English. The test helps students plan their high school courses, prepare for the ACT and possibly choose a career path. Johnson believes the test is a great precursor to the college visit. “My hope is that the college visit motivates them. ‘Wow, this could be my experience.’ There are so many options for kids. All of the kids can have that experience. It’s just hard work,” Johnson said. During the college visit, students also met with an admissions counselor and asked questions about degrees. The Lindenwood University admissions counselor told the students about admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships and grants. GET THOSE CRITTERS BEFORE THEY GET TO YOU.... RELIABLE. FRIENDLY. FAST. QUALITY. Dennis Goins F&S COLLISION REPAIR CENTER 20 TRAVIS COURT, TROY, MO 63379 (636) 462-3704 COLLISION/AUTO BODY REPAIR. HAIL DAMAGE. DOOR DINGS. AND MORE! Jeremy Goins 636-528-8437 573-898-5102 NOCRITTERS.COM 475 HARMONY GROVE RD. TROY, MO 63379