PRESENTED BY:

CONARD HIGH SCHOOL- SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

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

FINAL DETAILS

Conard Website conard.whps.org

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