Freshman & Sophomore Parent Forum Partnering with the High School for Student Success

Agenda  Welcome and Introduction  The High School Years  A Teacher’s Perspective  Creating a Balance  Resources  Concluding Thoughts  Questions and Discussion

WHS Guidance  Our Staff Richard Escobar (Head of Guidance) Counselors: Gretchen Gugliotta, Marla Schay, Chris Shanahan, and Maryann Shea Administrative Assistant: Chris Wadsworth Interns: Allison Haas and Ariana Rosa Youth Counselor: Lindsay Renner School-to-Career: Corey Guerra

Our Mission  Dedicated to empowering every student to achieve academic success, personal and social growth, wellness and career exploration.  Comprehensive school counseling program Developmentally appropriate curriculum (in tandem with Wellness) Individual counseling Advocating for student interests

Freshmen  A year of transition and establishing productive patterns that support engagement, integrity, resilience and responsibility.  Developmental Themes Communication and healthy relationships Stress and anger management; emotional health Healthy decision-making; tobacco, alcohol & drug prevention  Guidance Freshman Orientation Individual meetings and scheduling in March Physics MCAS in June (optional SAT Subject Test)

Sophomores  A year of maturation and focus, sometimes seeing changing interests and relationships.  Developmental Themes Career exploration Addressing issues in relationships Stress management; healthy sleep habits  Guidance Presentations in Career Seminar class Individual meetings in March (scheduling) PLAN test in October MCAS (optional SAT Subject Tests in Bio/History)

Juniors  A year of exploration, self-evaluation, academic focusing and post-secondary preparation.  Developmental Themes Exploration of secondary options and understanding the college application process Self identity, values and roles in society Adolescent mental health, good decision-making  Guidance PSAT in fall; individual meeting to review and compare to PLAN results Guidance Seminar 11, including a minimum of 2 individual post-secondary planning meetings in spring Standardized testing (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT) College visits

Seniors  A year of self-reflection and transition that is often stressful for students (and parents)  Developmental Themes Direction and assistance in the submission of applications; financial aid; life after high school Exploration of personal skills and career interests and intro to workplace preparation (resumes, interviewing, ethics, behavior), culminating in 3-week internship in May  Guidance Guidance Seminar 12 Individual meetings (minimum of 1 in the 1 st term) Standardized testing (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT) College (or other) visits, interviews and applications

Creating a Balance  Time with friends and family  Sleep  Self advocacy  Wise choices  Getting involved  Fostering resilience ─ not being afraid to fail  Smart use of technology

Advisories − New in 2012  Advisories are small groups of students who meet regularly with a member of the faculty or staff. This person will serve as the group’s advisor throughout their high school career.  Advisory groups personalize the educational experience and allow for teachers and staff to get to know students as people, not just as learners.  Advisories will be a place to relax and share, but will also serve as a forum for critical issues that could become lost in a larger group discussion.

Resources  Tips for reaching your student’s counselor Call the Guidance Office ( ) (last name first  The Guidance websitewebsite Monthly newsletter, announcements, links to documents and other resources (such as a tutor list)  The Enrichment Center (TEC)  Contact the right person for your question See the handout… the Nurse, Attendance, Athletics or Activities offices may be the best place to start.handout

A Teacher’s Perspective  Seek out teachers as soon as material is unclear − don’t wait until just before a test!  Stay on top of work, since falling behind makes it more difficult to succeed.  Take initiative − students who reach out to teachers and are proactive will do better.

Concluding Thoughts  Understanding adolescent development and the balance between support and the need for students to “own” their actions is critical  Keep lines of communication open With your student With your student’s counselor With the nurse With teachers and administrators With the school community (WestonGrapevine)  Enjoy high school!

Thank you…  We look forward to working with you in the years ahead!  Questions/Discussion