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 West Columbia school’s Eighth 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.

Among the event’s topics:

• Preliminary SAT or PSAT, a standardized practice test for the SAT
• Individual graduation plans
• Career Day Expo
• GPA for high school-level courses
• Eighth 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 eighth 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.

District officials thanked 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.

Another Eighth Grade Information Night is in the works, likely in February, for updates and additional high school planning.