1. Freshman Parent Guidance Evening
Fairfield Prep Guidance Department
October 12, 2017

2. Guidance Department Opening Remarks & Introductions
John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors
Rick Hutchinson – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors
Suzanne Gorab – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors
Peter Francini – Freshmen A-D/Sophomores/Juniors
Lynne Chesbro - Freshmen E-Z
*Sophomore-Senior assignments to follow
JOHN

3. Guidance Seminar Guidance seminars meet 1 day every 8 day cycle
Meet during half of Theology classes on BLOCK DAYS (G & H) only
Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years.
Counselors are available for individual meetings on Days A-F
DINA

4. Freshman Guidance Curriculum
Series of transitional, academic & social topics
Transition to Prep
Time Management
Naviance
Study Skills
Exam Preparation
Transcript Review
Learning Styles
Substance Use
Course Registration
Peer Interactions
Respect for Others
Activities Resumes
DINA

5. Transition from Middle School to High School – Sample lesson
3 Scenarios highlighting different transitional issues that freshmen may encounter
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.
DINA

6. Academic Trends-sample lesson
Review of transcripts from past Prep students
Discussion of academic trends and how they are viewed by college admissions committees
Importance of freshman year and the day to day efforts

7. Individual Counselor Meetings
Meetings initiated by counselor, student, teachers, parents
Meetings are most productive when initiated by students
Meetings typically involve discussions about the following:
General check in
Extracurricular involvement
Academic progress
Study strategies
Personal/Social adjustment
Time management
Growth Plan-looking forward, setting goals, etc.
DINA

8. Academic Communication & Monitoring
Encourage sons to check their Fairfield Prep account.
Schoology-assignments, tests, quizzes
Check often
NetClassroom-academic progress
Monitor regularly
DINA

9. Academic Communication & Monitoring
You are your son’s #1 advocate!
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.
Be patient 

10. Student Responsibility
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.
DINA

11. Taking Initiative-Get Involved
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; Campus Ministry; Intramural Program.
Meetings: Year-round; 45 mins after school; once a week
Can join at any time of the year
DINA

12. Student Activities 3Dmax CG Club Art Club Astronomy Club
Audio/Video Club
Board Game Club
Bowling Team
Business Club
Card Game Club
Cardinal Key Society
Classics Club/Latin Honor Society
Conspiracies Club
CT Science Fair Club
Cycling Club
Debate Club
Diplomacy Club
Encords
Engineering Club
Environmental Club
Fairfield Connection
Fantasy Sports Club
Fencing Club
Film Squad
French Honor Society
Gaelic Football Club
Golf Club
Habitat for Humanity
Hearthstone Yearbook
Heroes Club
Historians Club
Ignatian Spiritual Warriors Club
Intramurals
Irish Cultural Club
Jazzuits
Law Club
Lawn Games Club
Liturgical Music
Magic
Math Team
Media Club
Mock Trial
Model U.N.
Philosophy Club
Ping Pong Club
Political Awareness Club
Prep Players
Robotics Team
SEED Cultural Clubs
Ski Clubs
Soundings
Spanish Honor Society
STEAM Chess Club
Stock Market Club
Student Government
Super Smash Bros. Club
The Gathering Club
Trig*Star
Creative Writing Club
DINA

13. Academic Center The Peer Tutor Program
Who: Juniors and Seniors in the National Honor Society
Where: 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: students stop in Academic Center during free period
LYNNE

14. Fairfield University Advisor Program
Fairfield University Psychology/Sociology Majors serve a semester internship at Prep
The Advisors
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:
study skills
organizational skills
time management skills
social skills
LYNNE

15. Academic Enrichment Program
Goal: Provide students with a quiet space to complete homework and/or study
Participants: Mandatory for all students 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

16. Sophomore Year Topics specific to sophomore year:
PSAT SAT Subject Tests
Collegeboard.com Naviance
ACT
File review for all sophomores
LYNNE

17. Junior Year College Planning
Discussed in Junior Guidance Seminars and in individual meetings with the College Counselors
Emphasize students taking ownership in the process
Proactive and optimistic approach reduces the stress of college planning
RICK

18. Junior Year College Planning 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
Junior Parent Guidance Evening-January
RICK

19. Senior Year
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-Sept.
JOHN

20. Senior Year College Visitors
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
JOHN

21. Safe School Climate Promotion Plan
Concerns or referrals made to:
John Hanrahan-Dean of Guidance and College Advising
Guidance Counselors
Administrators
Teachers
Safe School Climate Plan
JOHN

22. Contact Information
Sarah Stanley
Director of Christian Service
(203) ext. 2096
Elliott Gualtiere
Director of Campus Ministry
(203) ext. 2255
Fr. Bret Stockdale SJ
Chaplain
(203) ext. 2264
Alecia Thomas
Director of Diversity and
Student Support Services
(203) ext. 3377
John Hanrahan
Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors
(203) ext. 2238
Rick Hutchinson
(203) ext. 2502
Suzanne Gorab
(203) ext. 2133
Peter Francini
Freshmen A-D/Sophomores/Juniors
(203) ext. 2758
Lynne Chesbro
Freshmen E-Z
(203) ext. 2513
JOHN

23. Questions?