Counselor's Bulletin
October 2019
Social/Emotional Focus
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
Suicide is PREVENTABLE
Source: suicideispreventable.org
Know the Signs
If you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss or change:
- Talking about wanting to die or suicide
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Feeling hopeless, desperate or trapped
- Giving away possessions
- Putting affairs in order
- Reckless behavior
- Uncontrollable anger
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Withdrawal
- Anxiety or agitation
- Changes in sleep
- Sudden mood changes
- No sense of purpose
If you sense something is wrong with someone, trust your instincts and get more information from a professional OR at suicideispreventable.org.
Find the Words
"Are you thinking of ending your life?" Few phrases are as difficult to say to a loved one, but when it comes to suicide prevention, none are more important.
- Start the conversation - mention the warning signs you are noticing.
- Ask about suicide. "Are you thinking about suicide?"
- Listen, express concerns and reassure.
Reach Out
If you see even one warning sign, step in or speak up. You don't have to do it alone, help is available. Find a trusted adult or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to talk with a trained counselor 24/7 at 1.800.273.8255.
Academic Focus
Successful High School Students...
COME TO SCHOOL READY TO LEARN
Be on-time • Be awake and alert • Be respectful to adults and peers •Be prepared for class
ARE ORGANIZED
Use a planner • Find a system of organization that works for you • Have a set time & place to study every day • Talk with your teachers if you are absent
ARE INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL AND/OR COMMUNITY
Find at least ONE thing you enjoy and join • Gives you a sense of belonging and purpose • Helps build connections to other students and adults
ASK FOR HELP
Teachers • Mentor • School Counselor •Coach • Parents • Friends • Boss • Pastor • Family
HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Find friends that are a positive influence • Make a connection with an adult that you can trust •
STUDY AND DO THE HOMEWORK
Turn assignments in on-time • Make sure it is complete and done well • Ask questions if you don't understand •Study 10 mins each night to avoid having to cram for tests
TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES
Get 8 hours of sleep • Eat breakfast and at least two other healthy meals • Drink water • Exercise regularly • Avoid vaping, alcohol, other drugs • Learn to manage your time
ARE ABLE TO WORK WITH OTHERS
Even those with different backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, learning/teaching styles, experiences, interests • Everyone has value • Everyone MATTERS
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS
Raise your hand • Ask questions • Answer questions • Offer your opinion • Volunteer
DO THEIR BEST EVERY TIME
Give your best effort • Have a positive attitude • Persevere through the tough stuff
College & Career Focus
Dual Credit Registration
What is dual credit?
Dual credit is when a student can earn both high school credit AND college credit by taking the course. Students need to pay the fee for the college tuition, but Boone Central pays for the book for the class. Typically, dual credit courses take the place of general education requirements students need to complete their college degree.
The following are classes available for dual credit:
Wayne State College
- Advanced Biology (includes a lab) - 3 credits
- American History - 3 credits
- Calculus - 5 credits
- Chemistry (includes a lab and transfers as a Physical Science course) - 3 credits
- College Algebra - 3 credits
Northeast Community College
- English 12 - 3 credits
Additionally, there are some prerequisites to be able to take the above math and English classes for college credit. If your child does not have a high enough test score, I have been in contact with them about retaking either the ACT or MAP tests to try to get the higher score. Please let me know if you have questions!
English -
- 18 on the Reading and English tests of the ACT OR
- 228 on the Reading and Language Usage test of MAP
College Algebra
- 21 on the Math test of the ACT
Calculus
- 25 on the Math test of the ACT
Students will be getting the registration sheets next week, so please be talking with your child about taking these courses for college credit. I have included links to transfer guides for several of the different colleges in Nebraska. These are guides to help students and parents make decisions about what is best for each student. Please see me with questions!
Individual Senior Meetings
- Schedule and take college visits.
- Complete an activities resume.
- Apply to a specific college they haven't applied to already.
- Request an FSA ID and complete the FAFSA.
- Start researching and applying for scholarships. This would include scholarships from colleges and scholarships at the state and national level. Local scholarships will be available to seniors in mid-December.
I encourage seniors to stay on top of the college planning process because time has a way of getting away from us!
FAFSA Completion
Attention Senior Parents!!
Beginning October 1, students/parents can complete the 2020-21 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is the application for state, federal, and college-based financial aid.
Follow these tips to prepare:
- Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) for you and one for a parent at fsaid.ed.gov. Student 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.
- Senior Work Night - October 17th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the HS Library, we will be completing the FAFSA. If you are nervous about filling it out, stop in and get assistance! Please let me know if you are planning to come so I can make sure we have enough computers available.
- For free help with the FAFSA, call EducationQuest to make an appointment:
- Omaha – 888.357.6300 • Lincoln – 800.303.3745 • Kearney – 800.666.3721
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