presented by: conard high school- school counseling...
TRANSCRIPT
SCHOOL COUNSELORS HOW TO REACH US
Kathryn DeJulius 231-5024 A-Br
Adam Linker 231-5025 Bu-Da
Dawn Hoblet 231-5030 De-Go
Karen Mortensen 231- 5031 Gr-K
Courtney Heuitson 231-5028 L-Me
Kristin Mangini 231-5029 Mi-Ph
Kate Ford 231- 5027 Pi-Sh
Bob Segee 231-5026 Si-Z
email: first name _ last name @whps.org
COUNSELOR ROLE
Our mission is to guide all students toward the best possible educational opportunities in a supportive environment, while promoting an understanding of self and others. School counselors strive to provide students with the necessary skills to become productive and healthy citizens.
The School Counseling Program is developmental by design, focusing on needs, interests, and issues related to various stages of student growth in three domains: personal/social, academic, and career/postsecondary planning.
COUNSELOR ROLE
School Counselors assist with…
•Social and personal issues
•Conflicts and crises
•College and career planning
•Planning your courses
•Academic issues
Students can access their counselor during a free period (study hall/lunch).
HOW IS HIGH SCHOOL DIFFERENT?
• Graduation requirements
• Credits
• Performance Standards
• Attendance Policy
• Students take more of a role in their education
• More opportunities for students to self-explore
• Transcripts/resumes become increasingly important
WHAT ARE THE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AT CONARD? To graduate from West Hartford Public Schools a student must have satisfactorily earned a minimum of 21.75 units of credit and must have met the credit distribution requirement.
Credit Distribution
A. English 4.0 credits
B. Mathematics 3.0 credits
C. Science 2.0 credits
(1 credit in physical science; 1 credit in life science)
D. Arts and/or Technical Education 1.0 credit
E. Social Studies 3.0 credits
(1 credit in U.S. History; 1 credit in Modern World History;
½ credit in American government; ½ credit elective)
F. Physical Education & Health 1.75 credits
G. Electives 7.0 credits
TOTAL 21.75 credits
ATTENDANCE POLICY PAGE 25- HANDBOOK
Absences (more than 12 excused or 4 unexcused absences in a semester = loss of credit for that class)
• Excused (absence is unavoidable)
•Unexcused (absence for no legitimate reason)
Tardies (3 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence)
• Excused (late to class with a pass)
•Unexcused (late to class less than 15 min)
Report absences to 231-6080
Homework requests after 3 days 231-5009
STUDENTS SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AT CONARD TO COMPLEMENT THEIR ACADEMIC LIFE
Student Activities
•Website, Career Center Athletics
•Website, Athletic Office (outside fitness center) Volunteer Work/Work Experience
• Career Center Summer Programs
•Website
WHERE CAN STUDENTS ACCESS EXTRA-HELP?
Teachers assist with
• Academic issues
• Study techniques
• Extra help in a class
Other resources include
• Academic Resource Center: Every period, staffed by Math
teacher and an English/Social Studies teacher (located in the
back corner of library)
• Library/Homework Center: Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:00am-4:00pm,
Wed 7:00am-3pm
A late bus is available: • 4pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri • 3pm short-Wednesdays
WHAT IS THE COURSE SELECTION PROCESS?
• Teachers discuss course recommendations with students in January
• Counselors deliver Program of Studies in early January
• Students and parents discuss next year’s classes in January
• Counselors meet individually with all students at the beginning of second semester
• Course selection sheets are mailed home for parent review in March
• Master Schedule is created based upon student interest/need; conflicts are corrected in April/May
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW TO HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
• Encourage good habits inside/outside of school
• Encourage self-exploration inside/outside the classroom
• Attend school-sponsored parent programs
• Start talking about post-secondary plans and options
• Stay engaged in their lives throughout high school
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO HELP YOUR COLLEGE BOUND FRESHMEN?
• Understand the college entrance requirements
• Support exploration inside the classroom by taking different electives
• Support extracurricular activities
• Start talking with your student about his/her plans for the future
• Relax! This is a time for self-exploration
COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
College admissions directors typically look for…
English 4 years
• Should stress writing as well as literature
Mathematics 3-4 years
• Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II - plus one more year of math for those planning to major in Business Administration, mathematics or sciences
Science 2-4 years
• Including two years of lab science
Social Studies 3-4 years
• Including U.S. History
World Language 2-4 years
• Must be consecutive years of the same language
Reminder: Some schools and colleges will have additional requirements beyond those general university-wide classes given above. This is only an example of the requirements.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Other factors to consider:
• Grades
• Challenging courses
• Standardized tests (SAT/ACT)
• Leadership
• Participation in co-curricular activities
• Character (letters of recommendation, interviews)
9TH GRADE OFTEN SETS THE TONE FOR HIGH SCHOOL
•Adolescence is a confusing time for students due to the many emotional and physical changes that occur at this age.
•A partnership between the school and parents has been identified as a best practice to increase graduation rates.
•If a student is successful during 9th grade, there is a higher likelihood the student will graduate and enjoy the high school experience.
When parents are involved in their child’s high school experiences:
• Students have higher achievement
• Students are better adjusted
• Students are less likely to drop out of school
PARENTS: HOW YOU CAN HELP
Encourage good habits now:
•Nutrition & Sleep (8.5-9.25 hours for teens)
•Homework time & Study habits
•Open communication
•Encourage independence with problem solving •Allow students to make mistakes and hold them accountable for poor choices
PARENTS: HOW YOU CAN HELP Stay involved in school:
• PowerSchool Parent Portal
• Report Cards/Progress Reports
• Teacher Assistance/Communication
• Open House (next Wednesday 9/18)
• Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Handbook/Agenda (review at beginning of year)
• Support after-school activities