COUNSELING CORNER
QUARTER 2
TIP OF THE MONTH - Social Media
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Please welcome Dr. Smith to our counseling department.
Dr. Lili Smith was born and raised in South Carolina. She is an eclectic school counselor who started her career in Mesa Public Schools. She is a National Board Certified Counselor. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. She then attended Concordia University - Portland where she received her Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. After gaining experience as a teacher, she went to Liberty University where she received her Masters of Education in School Counseling and Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling: Traumatology. Dr. Smith looks forward to helping students forge their own path to becoming lifelong learners. This will be her first year at Casteel.
Dr. Smith will be working with high school students with the last name SCI-Z.
Thank you Mr. Ireland!
NEED TO SEE YOUR COUNSELOR?
If you need to report a crisis or safety concern, see Mrs. W. immediately in the front office.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE REQUESTS ARE ONLY MONITORED DURING NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS.
UPDATES FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS
High School Counselors -
Ann Pierson (DAW-HOG) pierson.ann@cusd80.com
Rachel O'Brien (Hoh-Mik) obrien.rachel@cusd80.com
Carrie Shropshire (Mil-Sch) shropshire.carrie@cusd80.com
Dr. Lili Smith (Sci-Z) smith.lili@cusd80.com
NCAA ELIGIBILITY AND SIGNING DAY FOR SENIOR STUDENT ATHLETES
PSAT TEST ~
Registration is now closed.
Free Test Preparation - Save hundreds of dollars on test preparation books or tutoring. The exam provides a detailed score report. Your student can link their scores to Khan Academy to create an individualized SAT test preparation program free of charge. Your student will have access to Big Future (College, Major, and Career Search Engine) and access to Career Finder (creates career roadmaps).
Practice, Practice, Practice: Multiple exposure to the PSAT will prepare students to take the SAT at the end of their junior year. This is often the first experience students have with a timed standardized test.
SENIOR SEL/ECAP LESSON
EVIT Presentation
Registration for 2023-24 EVIT programs will open November 1st. Programs can fill quickly, so if you are interested in attending EVIT next year we encourage you to register early. https://www.evit.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=20222051&pageId=20598199
For copies of your transcript, behavior, attendance and immunizations please email Ms. W waaramaa.stephanie@cusd80.com
UPDATES FROM THE JUNIOR HIGH COUNSELORS
Junior High Counselors
Christy Cunico (Kl-Z) cunico.christy@cusd80.com
He can be reached at ireland.bruce@cusd80.com.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR QUARTER 1 JUNIOR HIGH AWARD RECIPIENTS
3 C's ~ Courage, Character and Commitment. Students received their awards and were recognized at our assembly on Thursday 9/29
Courage Award Recipients
Character Award Recipients
Commitment Award Recipients
Always reach out to a counselor or trusted adult if you need help.
PEER MENTORING PROGRAM
Thank you Ms. Glascom for leading this program!
TAKING FINAL EXAMS
- Select a quiet and consistent place to study.
- DO NOT wait until the last minute. Block out time in your day to study for each subject.
- Review notes, previous tests/quizzes and complete final review packets to help you review concepts from the semester.
- Stay organized! Dedicate a space for every class in your book bag. Every class should have a dedicated binder, folder or notebook.
- Make and use flash cards.
- If you are struggling, ask for help!
UPDATES FROM THE COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER
Need help with College and Career Planning? You can SCAN the counseling department's QR CODE to let Ms. Connolly know you have questions or that you would like to meet with her. Just select her name and she will receive an email.
You can also reach her by email connolly.keri@cusd80.com or by phone at 480-424-8211. She is happy to answer your questions regarding post secondary planning.
Check out the College and Career Center website which has tons of information and resources. Please check it out. https://www.cusd80.com/domain/10941
Mrs. Connolly is available to provide information to students and parents about:
College planning
Applying to college
SAT/ACT information
Staying organized Senior year
Career Exploration
Job opportunities
Volunteer opportunities
Scholarships
FAFSA APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 1ST
FAFSA ~ Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid will open on Friday, October 1st. All seniors who plan on enrolling in a tuition-based school should plan to file a Free Application for Federal Student aid to determine if you qualify for federal or institutional aid, work study or federal student loans.
Be sure to create an FSA ID before October 1st. Both the student and one parent needs to create an FSA ID. The FSA ID is what you will use to login into FAFSA to complete the application each year you are in school and to electronically sign your FAFSA. The verification process for the FSA ID can take up to 3 days so please complete the FSA ID process as soon as possible.
To create an FSA ID, visit: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing. Be sure to use a separate email address for students and parents. We recommend students not use their MPS student email when creating their FSA id since they will need access to the email during college and in the future if you need to access information regarding student loans. Please also review your entries for accuracy and enter your name as it appears on your Social Security Card.
AZ CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAYS ~
November 3rd ~ Juniors and Seniors interested in traditional careers in the trade industry will have the opportunity to attend this field trip. More information to come.
MILITARY LUNCH VISITS ~
Navy: (Monday Lunch Visits)
Petty Officer Cody Waliszewski 602-291-3441
Army: (Tuesday Lunch Visits)
SSG Clayton Faras 602-513-2564
Army National Guard: (Wednesday Lunch Visits)
SSGT Devin Birk 602-618-1345
Marines: (Thursday Lunch Visits)
SSGT Rafael Herrera Jr. 480-467-8852
Rafael.herrera@marines.usmc.mil
Air Force: (Friday Lunch Visits)
SGT William Kupper 480-226-2114
**Table will be set up just outside the Cafe**
UPDATES FROM OUR SOCIAL WORKER - MRS. WILLIAMS
MINDFULNESS ROOM
We are still in the process of completing our Mindfulness room. This room will be a calming environment that students can utilize when they are experiencing emotions or thoughts that are interfering with their ability to perform at their full academic potential. This room is really starting to come together; however, there are still items that are needed to make it complete. We are asking for donations to assist with the completion of this room and have created a DonorsChoose project. Here is the link to the DonorsChoose project, if you would like to donate.
CUSD PRESENTS: RAISING AWARENESS & REDUCING STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH
Community Event Details
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Chandler Public Safety Training Center
3550 S. Dobson Road. Chandler, AZ
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for access to resource tables.
Speakers available from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Speakers include:
Dr. David Jobes
Teen Lifeline
Kid In A Corner
LET'S GET TO KNOW MRS. TYLER!
Hello, I’m Mrs. Tyler. I am a native of Arizona as well as my husband of 21 years. Together we have three kids ages 15, 17 and 20. I received my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Education and recently completed my master’s degree from Ottawa University in School Counseling. Before coming to Casteel, I was a dance educator for 16 years at Higley High School where I also was the Spiritline director for 11 years. During my teaching career I also coached cheer at Mesa Community College for eight years. During my time in graduate school, I started a non-profit called, Giving Threadz, providing formal wear for boys and girls that can’t afford them. When I’m not spending my time with the amazing teens of Casteel, my family and I love to go camping at the beach, mountains, and California.
OUR DEPARTMENT MISSION
Email: waaramaa.stephanie@cusd80.com
Website: https://www.cusd80.com/casteelhigh
Location: 24901 South Power Road, Queen Creek, AZ, USA
Phone: (480) 424-8100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCHSCounselingCollegeandCareerCenter/
Twitter: @CCHS_CAREER