Counselors' Corner
NaFo Guidance August 2017
Welcome Back!
#BRIGHTESTYEAREVER
We are looking forward to an amazing year working alongside our students. Each of us went into this profession because we truly have a passion for helping students be successful and to be there to support them anytime they are in need. You will be receiving more information about the many FLEX sessions and lunch groups that we are going to be offering to help our students. We want you to know that we are here for you as we navigate this school year together!
NEW FACES IN GUIDANCE
Christina Bednarz, 10th-12th Lo-Sa
I am so excited to be a part of NaFo this year and can’t wait to meet everyone! Originally I am from Chicago, IL. but have lived in Charlotte, NC for the past 13 years. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Counseling from UNC Charlotte and enjoy watching students realize their goals and passions. Outside of school I enjoy coffee, hiking, and hanging out with family. For the past three years I have worked as an admissions counselor at UNC Charlotte and am always available to help my students draw out their own plan to be the most successful version of themselves. I hope we have a great year and let me know if you need anything!
Email: bednarzc@fortmillschools.org
Location: Nation Ford High School, A O Jones Boulevard, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-835-0018
Abby Duncan, 9th A-K
Email: duncana@fortmillschools.org
Location: Nation Ford High School, A O Jones Boulevard, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-835-0445
Alex Market, 10th-12th A-E
Hi NaFo students and families! I am so thrilled to be starting my first year as a school counselor here at Nation Ford. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors in Psychology and then went to UNC Charlotte for my Masters in Counseling. I have previously worked in the Undergraduate Admissions office at UNC Charlotte, which sparked my passion for helping students prepare and plan for their future. I believe all students have the ability to succeed, and that a supportive, collaborative community helps them on their pathway to success. Please let me know how I can best support you and we will make this year the best one yet!
Email: marketa@fortmillschools.org
Location: Nation Ford High School, A O Jones Boulevard, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-835-0004
ANITA BENFIELD, GUIDANCE OFFICE RECEPTIONIST
Email: benfielda@fortmillschools.org
Location: Nation Ford High School, A O Jones Boulevard, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-835-0034
Welcome Freshman!
Welcome to Nation Ford High School, your new home!
Tips for 9th Grade Students:
- Ask questions. If you don't know ask a teacher, administrator or counselor. We are all here because of you.
- Grades matter. Work hard and do your best. No one can ask for more than that.
- Get involved. We have over 40 clubs and over 15 different sports. If there is nothing you like, start something new!
- Make new friends, introduce yourself (they are probably just as nervous as you).
- Get Organized and stay that way.
- Have a study plan and stick to it.
- Go to a school event, become part of the community.
- Advocate for yourself - talk to your teachers yourself. This is great practice for college.
Tips for 9th grade Parents:
- Take a deep breath. It is all going to be okay :-)!
- Use your ParentPortal.
- Encourage your students to self-advocate with teachers and counselors.
- Encourage your student to get involved in clubs, sports, and the Nation Ford community.
- Start having regular career and college talks with your student.
Come See your counselor!
Why should I come see my counselor?
- If you have a social, emotional or academic question. We assist in all areas.
- Do you have a schedule question?
- Post-secondary planning.
- Feeling upset or uneasy about something.
- Need a reference.
- Attend a FLEX session or lunch group.
- You just need to talk.
How do I contact my counselor?
- Come to the guidance office. We have an open door policy and if we are available we will see you.
- E-mail us. We will e-mail you back or come find you.
- Make an appointment before or after school.
Confidentiality
- If you give permission.
- If you are in danger.
- If someone else is in danger.
- If a child or an elderly person is not being taken care of properly.
- If required by law.
Senior IGP Meetings
SENIOR IGP MEETINGS
Transcript Requests for Seniors
Testing Information
ACT and SAT Test Dates
SAT and ACT Fee Waivers
Any qualifying student may request an ACT or SAT fee waiver. Please direct all fee waiver questions to Alex Market, School Counselor.
School Counseling Department Contact
Phone - 803-835-0034 Fax - 803-835-0017
Facebook: NAFO Guidance
School Counseling Department Staff
Receptionist - Anita Benfield
Registrar - Barbara Boyd
PowerSchool Clerk - Jane Carroll
9th Grade Counselors
Abby Duncan - A-K
Marla McKenzie - L-Z
10th-12th Grade Counselors
Alex Market - A-E
Kirkley Russell - F-Ll
Christina Bednarz - Lo-Sa
Staci Dreher - Sc-Z
Website: http://nfhs.fortmillschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=57061&pageId=141585
Location: Nation Ford High School, A O Jones Boulevard, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-835-0034
Twitter: @NAFOguidance