Counselor's Bulletin
October 2018
Social/Emotional Focus
Suicide Prevention
On October 11th, Mark and Joni Adler will be speaking to our MS and HS students. Their son, Reid, took his own life at 15 and they will share their powerful story with us. To learn more about the Adler's and their message, click on this article: Channeling Grief Into Kindness.
There are two things I want students to take away from this information:
1. ALWAYS believe someone when they say they are considering suicide. Some people feel that students may be "just doing it for attention." If someone confides in you, believe them.
2. Never promise to keep suicide a secret. No one has to face this alone and the best option if for students to involve a trusted adult.
To access more information, please check out the following resources:
"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. BE. KIND. ALWAYS."
Academic Focus
How to Succeed in High School
1. Come Ready to Learn:
- Be on time to all of your classes.
- Be awake and alert in all classes.
- Be respectful of adults and other students.
- Bring your iPad and other supplies to class.
2. Do Your Homework:
- Turn it in on time.
- Make sure it is complete and neatly done.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand!
3. Be Organized:
- Use a planner – write assignments down AND read the things you wrote down.
- Find a system of organization that works for you and use it (binder, folders, etc.)
- Have a set time for homework everyday.
- Have a set place for homework everyday and make sure it is quiet without distractions.
- If you are absent, talk with your teacher about make up work.
4. Participation:
- Participate in class discussions – raise your hand, ask questions, answer questions
- Extracurricular activities – clubs, sports, music, etc.
- Learn how to manage your time
5. Ask for Help:
- From your teachers.
- From your mentor.
- From other adults in your life:
- Counselor, principal, Theresa, parents, friends, other family, pastor, boss, etc.
6. DO YOUR BEST!!
- Effort
- Attitude
- Perseverance
College & Career Focus
It's FAFSA Time!!
Seniors…beginning October 1, you and your parents can complete the 2019-20 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is the application for state, federal, and college-based financial aid.
BCHS will host a Senior Work Night on October 18th from 7 - 9 pm in the HS Library. The focus will be completing the FAFSA. If you want assistance completing the application, mark your calendars and stop in!
Follow these tips to prepare:
- Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID for you and one for a parent at fsaid.ed.gov. You and a parent will each need an FSA ID to access and sign the FAFSA.
- Review the FAFSA Checklist at EducationQuest.org for items you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.
- See FAFSA Tools at EducationQuest.org for helpful resources.
For free one-on-one help, call EducationQuest to make an appointment:
- Omaha – 888.357.6300
- Lincoln – 800.303.3745
- Kearney – 800.666.3721.
Winning the scholarship game
Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:
- Don’t pay for scholarship services! Free resources include ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org, your school counselor’s office, and EducationQuest offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Kearney.
- Focus on college-based and local scholarships. You’re more likely to earn them over large national awards.
- Continually update your activities, honors, and volunteer or paid jobs using the Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org.
- Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores by taking the exams in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year.
- Use quality references such as a teacher, coach or counselor. Give them advance notice, a specific deadline, and a copy of your Activities Resume.
- Ask at least two people to proofread your application.
About Mrs. Webster
Email: lwebster@boonecentral.esu7.org
Website: http://www.boonecentral.org
Location: 605 South 6th Street, Albion, NE, USA
Phone: (402) 395-2134
Twitter: @LWebsterBCHS