September 2018: 9th Grade
MDHS Counseling Newsletter
9th Grade Monarchs
Hello! We hope you are getting into the swing of things at Mater Dei. If you have any questions or concerns, your counselors are available to help and support you. Stop by any time before school, at lunch, during office hour or after school, or you can email to make an appointment. If you aren't sure who your counselor is, you can view your counselor assignment on Aeries or find out through our counselor alpha split chart here. If you need to contact any teachers or staff, our MD staff directory is on our website, also linked here.
This month, the counselors will be visiting your class on September 18 or 19 to go over what you need to know for the Practice PSAT 8/9 test you will be taking in October.
The annual Club Fair will be Wednesday September 12th and Thursday September 13.
Get Involved!!!
Join clubs, join an athletic program, or participate in one of Mater Dei's many volunteer opportunities! Students gain so much when they not only challenge themselves academically, but also pursue their passions through other activities. Read more about all our clubs on campus here or stop by the Activities Office.
Mater Dei’s Annual Club Fair will be on Wednesday September 12th and Thursday September 13 during both lunches at the Shamrock Plaza. Sign up for some clubs that you are interested in!
More Practice for the SAT/ACT
Mock Exams
Do you want to practice taking the SAT or ACT before it actually counts? Mater Dei High School will be administering full-length mock SAT and ACT exams for $15 each. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn your strengths and weaknesses so you can concentrate your efforts when preparing for the real exams.
- Dates: Saturdays September 15, September 22, October 20, and October 27
- Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Location: Mater Dei High school--500 & 600 Wings. Students will be notified of their test location through rosters posted on LeVecke or on the doors of the classrooms located in the 500 & 600 Wings.
- Cost: $15 per exam with discount code MD10
- To Register: Go to https://store.triedandtruetutoring.com/collections/southern-california/products/mater-dei-hs-fall-2018. You can take one test on one date. For example, you can take a mock SAT exam on one Saturday and ACT on the next, but you cannot take a mock SAT and ACT on the same day
MD Wellness
We have a Wellness Wall right outside of the counseling office that we are working on that you can check out! We will also be adding Wellness Workshops to several counseling events this year including our College Night, Office Hours, and more.
Life After High School
MD's College and Career Info Night is Tuesday, October 9th. Mark your calendars! All students and their families are welcome to attend. Wellness and Future Planning Seminar Workshops begin @ 4:45PM and a Fair begins @ 6PM.
Over 100 college and universities (2 and 4 year), technical/vocational schools, and military & service academies will be represented! Don't miss this opportunity to explore your future and get some questions answered.
Practice Testing Day
Excel in Classes
* Regularly check Canvas and Aeries
* Build a habit of turning things in on time and complete, check your grades to see your progress
* Visit your teachers during Office Hour--Ask a question if there is anything you need! (Our teachers are awesome but they still haven't mastered reading your minds...)
* Try the Academic Assistance Program (AAP), free after school tutoring
Service hours? Having difficulties in any classes?
Service Hours are a requirement for graduation here at MD, and your first 10 hours of Christian Service must be completed and turned in through MobileServe by November 26, 2018. Click here for more info on service hours and a list of service opportunities. If you have any questions, please speak to Mrs. Hopkins in Campus Ministry.
If you are struggling in any of your classes, be sure to visit your teachers during Office Hour. Also check out our Academic Supports page on the Counseling website for more recommendations. You can also pick up an Academic Assistance Program (AAP) tutoring schedule in the Counseling Office. The AAP Tutoring Program is free drop-in tutoring with MD teachers before/after school.
Remember to regularly check your Canvas and Aeries Parent and Student Portals. First semester grades are important! They are used to determine Sophomore year classes, and second semester grades are used to confirm placement in those classes. Build a habit of studying each night and turning in all of your homework on time!
Mater Dei High School Counseling Department
Website: https://www.materdei.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=70016&type=d&pREC_ID=237246
Location: Mater Dei High School, 1202 W Edinger Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92707