F RESHMAN P ARENT G UIDANCE E VENING Fairfield Prep Guidance Department October 7, 2015

G UIDANCE D EPARTMENT Opening Remarks & Introductions John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising - Juniors/Seniors Rick Hutchinson - Juniors/Seniors Suzanne Gorab – Juniors/Seniors Dina DeRosa- Freshmen/Sophomores A-K Lynne Chesbro - Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z

C AMPUS M INISTRY Elliott Gualtiere - Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Bret Stockdale, S.J.- Chaplain Jon DeRosa - Director of Student Activities & Christian Service Freshman Rally Day -Wednesday, October 14 th Required activity for all freshmen 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Casual dress – sneakers are a must! Prayer, conversation and some fun (outdoor and gym games/activities) Freshman Retreat -March 10 th -March 11 th

S AFE S CHOOL C LIMATE P ROMOTION P LAN Concerns or referrals made to: John Hanrahan - Dean of Guidance and College Advising Jon DeRosa - Director of Student Activities & Christian Service Guidance Counselors Safe School Climate Plan

F RESHMAN G UIDANCE S EMINAR Guidance seminars meet 1 day per every 7 day cycle. Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years. It is a unique opportunity for students to interact with their counselor.

F RESHMAN G UIDANCE C URRICULUM Transition to Prep Time Management Naviance Study Skills Exam Preparation Learning Styles Substance Use Course Registration Peer Interactions Respect for Others Series of transitional, academic & social topics

T RANSITION FROM M IDDLE S CHOOL TO H IGH S CHOOL – S AMPLE LESSON Scenario #1: Tom is struggling academically and finding it difficult to get a grasp on his classes. He has always been a good student and now is finding it difficult to get above a C. He’s also having trouble keeping track of his homework. Scenario #2: Jason did not want to come to Prep. It was his parents decision. He is upset that he is losing touch with his middle school friends. Despite his desire to leave, his parents have made it clear that transferring is not an option. Scenario #3: Mike tried out for the freshman football team and was devastated when he did not make it. He doesn’t know many students here and was hoping that by joining a team he would make new friends. Mike is shy and doesn’t always make friends easily. 3 Scenarios highlighting different transitional issues that freshmen may encounter

S OPHOMORE Y EAR Topics specific to sophomore year: PSATSAT Subject Tests Collegeboard.comNaviance ACT AspireActivities Resumes File review for all sophomores

I NDIVIDUAL C OUNSELOR M EETINGS Meetings are most productive when initiated by students Meet to assess the situation Contact teachers when necessary Contact parents when necessary Monitor progress Make referral to academic support programs

I P AD A PPS FOR S TUDENTS TO MASTER Schoology-easy exchange of work/assignments between teacher and student LMS for Upcoming due dates in list and calendar views Notability-note-taking Automatic back up to Google Drive or iCloud Google Drive-organizing and saving files Should have a folder for each class and subfolders within main subject folders Docs & EasyBib-word processing app & works cited reference Template to copy as underlying structure for all papers in Prep’s Writing Style (MLA) Slides-creating presentations Casper-monitoring in class; freeze on 1 app

A CADEMIC C OMMUNICATION & M ONITORING Encourage students to check their Fairfield Prep account. NetClassroom-academic progress Check often Black Board & Schoology-assignments, tests, quizzes Monitor regularly

A CADEMIC C OMMUNICATION & M ONITORING Communicate directly with teachers via Feedback or update on progress Faculty Directory on the Prep website Access textbooks on your own device with your son’s usernames and passwords Reader apps-Kindle, iTunes U, etc. Homework in the kitchen or dining room Be patient

F AIRFIELD P REP W EBSITE T IPS Quicklinks School Calendar- iCal feature Important dates for this academic year Day/Date calendar Daily Time Order Forms and Documents Health forms Academic Forms and Documents Athletic Forms and Documents Technology Forms Transportation and Fees Guidance Forms Blackboard Schoology NetClassroom Student Absentee Form Sports Team Calendars- iCal feature

S TUDENT R ESPONSIBILITY Learning requires an investment of time and effort by the student. Encourage students to self-advocate. Initiate teacher contact Seek extra help Take the initiative with counselors and schedule an appointment themselves Encourage students to set goals for personal development. Take an active role in their own development. Responsible participants in the Prep community.

T AKING I NITIATIVE -G ET I NVOLVED Explore interests and talents by getting involved in activities. Provides a sense of connectedness to the school Opportunity to meet other students Helps to find their “niche” CLUBS: Diversity Clubs; Academic Clubs; Service Clubs; Intramural Program. Meetings: Year-round; 45 mins after school; 1 or 2 times a week All are welcomed!

S TUDENT A CTIVITIES  African American Cultural Club  Anime Club  Application Development Club  Art Club  Asian Student Association  ASPIRA  Astronomer’s Society  B.A.S.S. High School National  Book Club  Bowling Team  Business Club  Campus Ministry Board  Cardinal Key Society  Chess Club  Close Up Magic Club  Cycling Club Comprehensive list can be found at Prep website →Campus Life →Extra Curriculars  Model U.N.  Ping Pong Club  Political Awareness  Prep Players  Robotics Club  Science Club  Science and Engineering Club  Soundings (Newspaper)  Spanish Honor Society  Squires  Stock Market Club  Trig*Star Club  White Ribbon Campaign  Encords  Fantasy Sports Club  Fencing Club  French Honor Society  Guitar Club  Hearthstone (Yearbook)  Historians Club  Intramurals  Irish Football and Cultural Club  Jazzuits  Jeopardy Club  Liturgical Music  Math Team  Media Club  Mock Trial A sampling of clubs offered at Prep, but not all:

A CADEMIC C ENTER T HE P EER T UTOR P ROGRAM Who: Juniors and Seniors in the National Honor Society Where: The Academic Center A201 (8:00AM-4:00PM) When: Before school, during free periods, or after school Why: In order to aid students who are struggling in particular subject areas How: student initiates or may be referred by parent, teacher or counselor Online Peer Tutor Form: Prep website→Academics Tab→Academic Center→Peer Tutor Request Form on the left hand side

I NTERN P ROGRAM Fairfield University Psychology/Sociology Majors serve a semester internship at Prep The Interns With the direction of the Coordinator, assess the student’s difficulties, help the student to develop goals, and coordinate with teachers, peer tutors and parents. Regular meeting to provide support including: o study skills o organizational skills o time management skills o social skills

A CADEMIC E NRICHMENT P ROGRAM Goal: Provide students with a quiet space to complete homework and/or study Participants: Mandatory for all student that fall under 2.0 GPA after each Quarter (Academic Probation) Where: Academic Center When: During free periods Moderators: Mrs. Alecia Thomas – Director of Diversity and Academic Support Services Requirements: Attendance 3 times a week and Peer Tutor

J UNIOR Y EAR C OLLEGE P LANNING The college planning process is discussed throughout Junior year during Guidance seminars and in individual meetings with the College Counselors. We stress students taking ownership in the process. A proactive and optimistic approach will reduce the stress of college planning.

J UNIOR Y EAR C OLLEGE P LANNING CON ’ T Topics discussed throughout the year: Academic performance Standardized Testing Strategy (PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests) College Searching – Naviance Factors in College Admission Admission Glossary Campus Visits Interviews Athletic Recruitment Summer Recommendations

S ENIOR Y EAR Group & Individual Meetings on College Application Strategies & Procedures Where, when & how to apply Discussion of all aspects of the college application Essay, resume, recommendations, filing procedures Senior Parent Evening

S ENIOR Y EAR C OLLEGE V ISITORS 150 colleges send admissions representatives to Prep for small group meetings with seniors Decisions, Decisions Review of acceptances College Life Issues/Challenges A look ahead at challenges

C ONTACT I NFORMATION John Hanrahan Juniors/Seniors (203) ext Rick Hutchinson Juniors/Seniors (203) ext Suzanne Gorab Juniors/Seniors (203) ext Dina DeRosa Freshmen/Sophomores A-K (203) ext Lynne Chesbro Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z (203) ext Jonathan DeRosa Director of Student Activities and Christian Service (203) ext Elliott Gualtiere Director of Campus Ministry (203) ext Alecia Thomas Director of Diversity and Student Support Services (203) ext. 3377

Q UESTIONS ?