Welcome to the Counseling Center Newsletter designed
specifically for our Ninth and Tenth grade students. In this, and upcoming
issues, you will find announcements, tips, and information that will benefit
YOU!!! Please stop by the office and
take advantage of all the wonderful resources we have available in the
Mrs. Taglione Mrs. Maloney
Advice for Parents on the College Selection Process
Get to know your child’s School Counselor! The High School Counselor functions as a primary student advocate within the school community by challenging, supporting and encouraging students through a myriad of counseling services.
Communicate with your child’s School Counselor. Obviously, any problems affecting a child
outside of school may carry over into the classroom. Please let your child’s counselor know when
there are outside issues that may interfere with learning. We are here to help.
Be informed about your child’s academic program. Questions for the School Counselor:
*What basic academic courses do you recommend for
students who want to go to
college?
*How many years of each academic subject does the high
school require for graduation?
*What electives are recommended for college-bound
students?
*Is tutoring
available?
*What activities
can strengthen a child’s preparation for college?
*How much homework
should I expect for my child?
*What kinds of
grades do colleges require?
I’m the School Counselor…Begin
Here!!!
The School Counselor is a specifically credentialed, school-based
professional trained to work with students, parents, teachers, administrators
and the community.
THE
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
*Listens to
your child’s needs and concerns
*Helps
assess his or her strengths and weaknesses
*Completes
an academic/career profile for each child
*Meets with
all students to explain the counseling program, discuss personal concerns,
discuss college and career options
*Reviews your
child’s academic record and suggests areas of improvement and strategies to
increase academic achievement
*Helps
students schedule time and meet deadlines for taking standardized tests
*Helps your
child acquire skills to set reasonable goals and make wise decisions
*Has
resources (books, brochures, Internet, videotapes) for examining post-high
school options
*Provides
the necessary forms and initial explanations of criteria for student financial
assistance
*Provides
support, understanding and friendship
MEETING
ME IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3
Come to Parent-Teacher conference meetings, open houses
and/or school visitation nights. We are
usually available for an appointment, or you can acquire literature to take
home.
Make an appointment to discuss academic, college, career
and/or personal concerns through the
Attend activities, workshops, and programs sponsored by the
Call for information and general advisement.
Your School Counselor can help your child with a myriad of
needs, from working on course selections to coping with peer pressures, to
making appropriate course selections.
SPECIFICALLY,
YOUR CHILD’S COUNSELOR IS:
An excellent first resource on college/career exploration,
financial aid resources and specific guidance on considering post-graduation
options.
Trained in helping your child acquire specific skills in areas such
as test taking, study skills, values clarification, decision-making, and goal
setting to assist academic achievement.
A liaison between students and available jobs and/or training and
education programs.
The coordinator for in-school college visitation programs.
Provider for student recommendations.
HE
OR SHE ALSO IS:
Skilled at listening to the concerns of others.
Trained to
help families share concerns and needs to help resolve problems.
A resource for community enrichment program information.
A Consultant with community agencies that provides supplemental
personal, emotional or academic support, and a coordinator with school staff to
align student interest with extra-curricular activities.
Students who graduate from high school earn, on average,
$270,000 more in their lifetimes than students who drop out.
College graduates make almost $1 million more in their
lifetimes than high school graduates.
When parents and families get personally involved in
education, their children do better in school and grow up to be more successful
in life!! Sounds like common sense.
Yet, parental involvement is one of the most overlooked
aspects of American education today. The
fact is, many parents do not realize how important it
is to get involved in their children’s learning. As one dad said when he began reading to his
daughter every day, “I never realized how much it would mean to her to hear me
read.” Results – her reading
improved. Research shows that when
families get involved, their children:
·
Get better
grades and test scores;
·
Graduate from high
school at higher rates;
·
Are more likely
to go on to higher education; and
·
Are better
behaved and have more positive attitudes.
Most
important of all, ALL parents and families can enjoy these benefits.
Children of all ages need
their parents’ attention, support, and encouragement. These are the real ingredients to ensuring
their success in the future.
Highlights for some of the tasks to be completed
each year during your high school career.
9th Grade:
·
Take a challenging course
load
·
Identify academic and
personal strengths and weaknesses with your school counselor
·
Become involved in
extra-curricular activities/sports
·
Develop strong
study/homework habits
10th Grade:
·
Continue with a strong college/career
preparatory academic program
·
Further exploration of
college and careers through resource books and the Internet
·
Participate in
volunteer/community service/sports
11th Grade:
·
Continue to select
challenging courses for Junior year
·
Take the PSAT exam in
October as preparation for SAT’s and entrance into the National Merit
Scholarship competition
·
Explore college options
with School Counselor
·
Attend College Fair at
·
Prepare for SAT exams by
intense course work, SAT Prep review class (available at HVCC), SAT literature/practice materials/Internet sites.
·
Take the SAT , SAT
Subject Tests and ACT exams in spring of
Junior year
·
During the summer, visit
colleges and attend college interviews
·
Continue to refine your
college interest list
12th Grade:
·
Select rigorous courses
for Senior year
·
Register for Fall SAT,
SAT Subject Tests and ACT exams
·
Review final list of
colleges with your counselor
·
Obtain college
applications
·
Visit college
representatives at the
·
Request letters of
recommendation from counselors, teachers, and service organizations
·
Potential college
athletes should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
·
Write college application
essay
·
Attend college open
houses/overnight programs
·
Arrange campus interview
·
Investigate scholarships
·
Meet with Military
Recruiter, if interested
·
Attend Financial Aid
presentation in January
·
Complete Federal and
State financial aid forms in January
·
Prepare job resume and
applications
·
May 1st –
Universal Acceptance Day
·
Complete graduation
course and exam requirements