Counselor Connection
October 2023
Quarterly Newsletter #1
Welcome to the first of four Counselor Connection newsletters, where we will share updates about the LCHS Counseling Department!
The first quarter saw the graduating class of 2024 meeting with their counselor to discuss post-secondary options. We are busily writing letters of recommendation for college admission and scholarship consideration (including Questbridge, National Merit, Coca-Cola Scholars, Jefferson Scholars and more!). Students are applying to the California State University and the University of California systems in large numbers, along with a mix of private and out-of-state colleges.
Teaching staff as well as counselors from all three departments (Comprehensive, C3 and Wellness Center) delivered advisory lessons across all four grade levels. Students attended "HoCo" and are now gearing up to finish the first semester. We continue to take appointments from students across all grade levels. Please continue to encourage your students to seek out resources across campus and to meet with their school counselor.
Each newsletter will be broken down into American School Counselor Association domains for school counseling (Academic, College/Career, and Wellness aka Social/Emotional) and will also include additional resources for students and families. We'll be sending the second edition of the newsletter in January. Have a great semester!
ACADEMIC
QUARTER 1 REPORT CARDS
Quarter 1 ended on October 6th. Report cards will be released by Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in Aeries.
TUTORING
Help is available! Students may work with their teachers to discuss getting help during office hours, advisory, or through writing conferences with their English teacher. Peer tutoring is another great option, and there is free after school help for many academic subject areas, staffed by LCHS faculty! Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Monday, October 16, 2023 is a homework free night! This means that nothing can be due on Tuesday, 10/17. To read about the LCHS homework policy in its entirety, please download the document below.
COUNSELING ADVISORY
The comprehensive counselors have completed advisory lessons for grades 9, 10 and 12, with an advisory lesson for grade 11 planned for January. Students were engaged in the lessons and learned valuable skills to help them in high school and beyond. We will implement a second advisory for each grade level in the spring as well! The data below will provide you with a snapshot of the work our office has been doing with students.
Freshman
Counselors visited Freshman Advisory classes and led the students in an activity which helped create understanding of each other's similarities and differences. The "Step in the Circle" activity led students through a series of questions, starting with light hearted topics such as "Step in the circle if you like scary movies," to deeper topics such as "Step in the circle if you’ve ever felt embarrassed." This led to group discussions about how to improve a positive school environment and promote a place of belonging and understanding.
Sophomores
Counselors went into Sophomore Advisory classes and focused on time management, teaching students how to prioritize the most important things first. To emphasis this concept, students were shown the "Jar of Life" video. Then, counselors trained students to use their Google calendar as a tool to help them make time for priorities by managing their calendars.
Seniors
Counselors visited Senior Advisory classes to discuss the signs and symptoms of Senioritis and the impact this can have on their future goals. Students broke up into small groups to discuss strategies to apply in their personal lives and learned the importance of finding someone in their life who can help keep them accountable for reaching their goals.
COLLEGE AND CAREER
ATTENTION SENIORS
Transcripts: Please purchase you transcripts from Mr. Hanna on or before your earliest college deadline. The form can be accessed here. Cash or check made out to LCHS. See your counselor if you need financial assistance paying for transcripts.
Counselor Appointments: If you have not met with your counselor regarding college or other post-secondary plans, or if you have any follow-up questions, please make sure to sign up soon.
Ms. Kukta (A, E-J)
Ms. Fung (B-D)
Mrs. Maljian (K-Ma)
Mrs. Goldsworthy (Mb-R)
Ms. Basmajian (S-Z)
LETTERS OR REC AND COLLEGE MEETING CHECKLIST
Please make sure ALL tasks in Scoir have been completed so that your counselor can send letters of recommendations and other school materials on your behalf. Instructions can be found in the presentation below.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is being redesigned and will open in December 2023 instead of October this year.
Federal Student Aid Information: Department of Education
Department of Education: Department of Education
FAFSA site: FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid: Federal Student Aid
Veterans Administration: Education and Training Home
Higher Education Resources: All 529 Plans: Saving for College
AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps
Compare Student Loans: eStudentLoan
FinAid: FinAid.org
KnowHow2Go: KnowHow2GO
Fast Web: FastWeb
Going Merry: Going Merry
C3 NEWS
From college rep visits to advisory lessons, the College and Career Center (C3) is up and running and ready to serve students! Students in all grade levels can come to the College and Career Center to obtain information on:
- Challenge Success Program
- One-on-One College and Career Meetings
- College Essay-Personal Statement-PIQ review
- Uncover Student Aptitudes for Academic and Career Pathways
- Scholarship Search
- Internship and Research Opportunities
- Summer Programs
- Part-Time Jobs
- Resume Preparation
- Interview Coaching
- Alumni Networking
- Test Preparation
- College Applications
- Research Opportunities
- Career Exploration
- Making the Most of Your Scoir Account
Students are welcome to stop by before school, at break, during lunch or after school to utilize the resources or may schedule an individual appointment with C³ should they have more than just a quick question or if they require additional assistance.
QUESTIONS TO ASK COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES
Whether you meet them at a college fair, on a college campus, or at LCHS (where rep visits are well underway), college reps genuinely enjoy talking to high school students and answering questions about their college. The following questions can help start a good dialogue.
1. What makes your college unique?
2. What academic programs are your college most known for?
3. How would you describe the student life?
4. Where do students hang out on campus?
5. What happens on weekends—are there things to do on campus or in the community? How many students go home versus stay on campus on weekends?
6. Are fraternities and sororities a big part of campus life?
7. What are the housing options for freshmen?
8. Do many students live off campus?
9. Is there a sports complex or fitness center?
10. What are the most popular clubs and activities?
11. What’s the security like on campus?
12. What’s the surrounding area like? Is it easy to get around? Transportation?
WELLNESS
MONTHLY WELLNESS CENTER THEMES ON CAMPUS
“New Beginnings” August - We welcomed approximately 60 new or re-enrolling students to LCHS this Fall with counselor meetings, the New Family Social, and Peer Support outreach. LCHS also welcomed “Iota,” our new Spartan service-puppy-in-training this year!
“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” September - With schoolwide activities, and classroom learning in 10th grade Advisory, LCHS promoted knowing the signs, finding the words, and reaching out.
“Choices Matter” October will include educational activities that promote healthy choices, decision-making skills, and substance abuse prevention education.
“Gratitude” November will remind us of the power of gratitude and community service when it comes to supporting the wellbeing of ourselves and others.
“Stress Less” December focuses on learning and practicing stress reduction techniques as we finish the semester and final exams.
WELLNESS CENTER ADVISORY
Depression Education and Suicide Prevention presentations were delivered to all 10th grade students during Advisory. More information on Erica's Lighthouse can be found below:
For more information on services or programs in the Wellness Center, email wellnesscenter@lcusd.net
VOLUNTEER OPPORUTNTIES
If you are a student in high school, there are numerous chances to contribute to your community by engaging in volunteer activities. Volunteering not only enables you to have a positive impact on the lives of others, but it also offers you valuable experiences and skills that can be beneficial in your personal and professional endeavors. We've rounded up the following ideas to get you started:
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education within the United States. They have a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from helping with blood drives to assisting with disaster relief efforts. Red Cross
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps build affordable housing for low-income families. Volunteers can help with construction, fundraising, and other activities. Habitat for Humanity
Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels is a national organization that provides meals to homebound seniors who are unable to cook for themselves. Volunteers can help deliver meals, provide companionship, and assist with administrative tasks. Meals on Wheels
National Parks Service: The National Parks Service is responsible for maintaining and protecting the national parks and historic sites in the United States. Volunteers can assist with conservation efforts, trail maintenance, and other activities. National Park Service
Special Olympics: Special Olympics is a global organization that provides sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers can help organize and run events, coach athletes, and provide administrative support. Special Olympics
United Way: United Way is a nonprofit organization that works to improve communities through education, income stability, and health initiatives. Volunteers can help with fundraising, community outreach, and other activities. United Way Worldwide
Boys and Girls Clubs of America: Boys and Girls Clubs of America is a national organization that provides after-school programs for children and teenagers. Volunteers can help with tutoring, mentoring, and other activities. Boys and Girls Club
Animal shelters: Animal shelters provide care and temporary housing for animals in need of homes. Volunteers can help care for animals, socialize with them, and assist with administrative tasks. Contact local shelters for info and age requirements.
Local libraries: Local libraries provide resources, services, book drives, storytime, and other events to/for their communities. Volunteers can help with book drives, assist with events, and provide administrative support. Reach out to area libraries to discuss options.
Hospital volunteering: Hospitals provide medical care and support to their communities. Volunteers can assist with patient care, provide administrative support, and help with fundraising. Most have an application process. Inquire with hospital directly for instructions.
Homeless shelters: Homeless shelters provide temporary housing and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help provide meals, clothing, and other resources to those in need.
YMCA: The YMCA is a nonprofit organization that provides youth programs, fitness programs, and community outreach. Volunteers can help with youth programs, assist with events, and provide administrative support. https://www.ymca.org
Environmental organizations: Environmental organizations work to protect and conserve the natural environment. Volunteers can help with conservation efforts, environmental education, and other activities. Check with local organizations such as Sierra Club or Greenpeace
Museums: Provide educational resources and cultural experiences to their communities. Volunteers can assist with tours, events, and educational programs.
Senior centers: Senior centers provide resources and services to seniors in their communities. Volunteers can assist with activities, provide companionship, and assist with administrative tasks.
Religious organizations: Religious organizations provide spiritual guidance and community outreach. Volunteers can assist with community outreach, provide administrative support, and help with fundraising.
Community gardens: Community gardens provide a space for community members to grow their own produce. Volunteers can help with planting, weeding, and harvesting.
Youth sports organizations: Youth sports organizations provide opportunities for children and teenagers to participate in sports. Volunteers can coach or referee youth sports leagues.
Community theaters: Community theaters provide opportunities for community members to participate in theater productions. Volunteers can assist with performances, events, and administrative tasks.
Crisis hotlines: Crisis hotlines provide support and resources for individuals in crisis. Volunteers can provide support and referrals to those in need, and assist with administrative tasks.
CALENDLY LINKS
Students are encouraged to sign-up to see their counselor using "Calendly." Students will select a date and time that works for them make arrangements in advance with their teacher to miss class and discuss any missed materials. Students must use the calendar invite as their "hall pass" by showing it to their teacher on the day of the appointment. They can print it or show it on their phone, or they can ask Mrs. De La Rosa in the counseling office to make a hall pass for them.
Students should not schedule appointments during tests or quizzes and are responsible for arriving to the appointment on time.
Parents may reach out to the counselor directly by email (preferred) or phone to make an appointment. Parents may also contact Mrs. De La Rosa at 818.952.4253 for assistance in making a parent appointment.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
And just for fun, here are some Halloween vibes!
Newsletter published by LCHS Counseling Department
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