Counseling Center NewsLetter
September 2021
Contact Information
Tammy Vogler (D-Hen) ext. 4021
April Marquez (Her-McC) ext. 4019
Vince Ahrens (McD-Sh) ext. 4020
Kerry Stites (Si-Z) ext. 4018
Carrie Rodebush, Adminintrative Assistant ext. 4103
Melissa King, College/Scholarship Coord., ext 4003
Carrie Beamer, Registrar ext. 4017
Kristin Scharlau Educational Therapist ext. 4032
Christy Dabalos - IB & AP Coordinator ext.
Veronica Scott - A+ Coordinator ext. 4056
Jennifer Lightfoot - A+ Administrative Assistant ext. 4057
Counseling Fax (816) 986-4116
Email: carrie.rodebush@lsr7.net
Website: http://lswhs.lsr7.org/counseling/
Location: 2600 SW Ward Rd, Lee's Summit, MO, United States
Phone: (816)986-4103
Twitter: @LSWCounseling
Upcoming Dates/Events
- September - Several College Representative Visits - Look Below for More Information
- September 5th - 11th - Suicide Prevention Week Activities
- September 14th - A+ Training @2:30 in Bateman Hall
- September 21st - New Student Social during Titan Time/Advisory
- September 28th - Sophomore Signs of Suicide Presentations
- October 1st - Coffee with the Counselors - Topic of Focus is - Senior Year Planning
- October 1st - FAFSA Opens Up
- October 12th - FASFA Night 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in Bateman Hall (Lecture Hall)
- October 13th - PSAT Test Offered (More information to come on how to sign up)
Full Calendar Available on the LSW Counseling Website: http://lswhs.lsr7.org/counseling/
Welcome Back!
With a start to a new school year, comes changes. One big change that has occurred in the Counseling Center is that Mr. Greg Swaggart retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. We are excited to Welcome Mr. Vince Ahrens to the LSW Family and the Counseling Team. He joins us with 34 years in Education and 32 of those being in school counseling.
Another change is the look in the Counseling Center! We were able to finally do some updating that we have been hoping to do for more flexible seating than we have had in previous years! We look forward to welcoming you to the office!
Meet Your LSW Counselors
Ms. Gregory (A - C)
Ms. Vogler (D - Hen)
Ms. Marquez (Her - McC)
Hello Titans!!
My Name is April Marquez and I serve students with last names “Her-McC”. I am a proud St. Louis native, but have had the honor to live in the Lee’s Summit Community for close to 20 years.
I attended the University of Central Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Counseling, and an Educational Specialist degree in Human Services/Technical & Occupational Education.
As a professional school counselor, I have the opportunity to empower students as they navigate through their own personal journey and find key elements towards personal success. I believe that the ability to encourage and support student’s academic, personal, and social goals is one of the greatest gifts that we as professional school counselors can give. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful family and my faith community.
Mr. Ahrens (McD - Sh)
Ms. Stites (Si - Z)
My name is Kerry Stites and I work with students who have the last names Si - Z. This will be my 13th year at LSW, 6 years as a School Counselor & 7 years as a Special Education Teacher. I received my Bachelors from Northwest Missouri State University in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities. I then earned a Masters of Art in Teaching from Webster University. Later I continued on with my education and earned my Masters of Science in School and Community Counseling at National Louis University. I have taught grades Pre-K - 12 and have enjoyed working with all ages. I love the heartbeat that evokes through the halls of the high school and the excitement of students. I look forward to working with with you all this school year! In my spare time, I love watching sports, traveling, updating my house, and spending time with my family, friends and my 2 cats Luna and Sonoma. Everyday is a Great Day to be a Titan!
Meet Your LSW Counseling Office Support Staff
Mrs. Rodebush - Administrative Assistant & New Enrollment
Mrs. King - College & Scholarship Coordinator
Ms. Beamer (Formerly Guittar) - Registrar
I work in the counseling center as the school registrar. I get to help students, parents and staff with record related inquiries. It is very exciting to listen to a senior come into my office for a copy of their transcript and hear the plans they are making once they graduate from West. I count myself lucky to be a part of the student's high school journey.
LSR7 Educational Therapist
LSWHS Educational Therapist: Kristin Scharlau, ext.4032
The Educational Therapist's role is to link students and families with resources and provide support. They also provide mental health support and therapy to students within the school setting. If you would like to receive more information about how our Education Therapist may be able to help you or your family, please feel free to complete our School Social Work Services Form or print off a downloadable form and turn it into your student’s counselor. Once it is received, our Educational Therapist will contact you.
September Mental Wellbeing Minute from your District Educational Therapist
SEL (social emotional learning) is an approach to learning that supports all students but is particularly inclusive to support students that have experienced trauma. Each school strives to have a reliable learning environment where students can:
Develop meaningful relationships with others
Feel supported and connected
Explore their strengths and identities
Exercise their agency (decision making)
Have access to mental health supports
Whether you are online or in person - We are here for you!
Do you know what the role of your School Counselor at Lee's Summit West is?
School Counselors are a vital member of the education team. We help all students in the areas of academic achievement, career and social/emotional development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. (ASCA)
We collaborate with Teachers, Administrators, and additional staff to try and determine the best way to support students and staff.
Our doors are open for a pop in visit to do quick check-ins as well as to talk about the difficult things.
Reduce Your Stress Levels!
Themes of the day:
Talk About It Tuesday - Write Positive Affirmation on hearts
Wellness Wednesday - Healthy Snacks at the table - List Your Stressors and What you wish others understood
Thoughtful Thursday - Random Acts of Kindness
Feel Good Friday - Write Thank You Notes to someone and deliver it
Positive Affirmations
Goodies for Staff
I Wish Others Understood....
Wellness Wednesday!
Thoughtful Thursday!
Take What You Need!
Empowering Positive Parenting
Positive Parenting Practices for Tweens & Teens
- Learn to adapt your parenting style, guide kids toward a successful future, effectively communicate, set limits and strengthen relationships.
- For families with pre-teens and teens
Parenting the Love and Logic Way
- Learn proven strategies to help you navigate being a parent in our constantly changing world
- For families with children of ALL ages
Naviance
Reminder - Students must access Naviance through their Chromebook or be logged in to their school Google Chrome account in order to access. You do not need to enter a username or password on the site as it is a one step login process.
Naviance is a one stop shop for College & Career planning.
College Representative Visits here at LSW in the Counseling Center!
College Reps have been contacting LSW and filling up our calendar! To save your seat to visit with a college rep from a school you are interested in attending, please visit Naviance. Under the What's New section is a list of all the college representatives that have scheduled a date and time to attend. All you have to do is RSVP in Naviance. This will be your pass out of class to come to the Counseling Center at the specific time and date to visit. At this time, visits will be in small groups and will be in the Counseling Conference Room.
Some visits that are scheduled now:
September 14th:
- St. Olaf College @ 10:00 AM
- Simpson College @ 1:15 PM
September 16th:
- University of Iowa @ 1:15 PM
September 20th:
- University of Kansas @ 10:00 AM
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln @ 1:15 PM
September 21st:
- Southwest Baptist University @ 10:00 AM
- Missouri State University - Springfield @ 1:15 PM
September 22nd:
- Baylor University @ 10:00 AM
- Oklahoma State University - Main Campus @ 1:15 PM
September 23rd:
- St. Louis University @ 1:15 PM
September 27th:
- Dordt College @ 8:15 AM
September 30th:
- New College of Florida @ 10:00 AM
- Creighton University @ 1:15 PM
Senior Meetings
Counselors visited Senior English classes on September 13th to invite Seniors to schedule their Senior Meeting!
What can you expect during your Senior Meeting?
- We will review your high school progress as well as what you need to accomplish during your Senior year.
- We will discuss your post high school plans.
- How we can help you through your senior year to accomplish you goals.
- FASFA
- A+
- How to request your high school transcript for military, college, and scholarships.
- We will share all the ins and out of Naviance to help you with college searches as well as how to find scholarships.
FYI - Your parents are more than welcome to join you in your senior meeting. They can join either in person or virtually.
Seniors!
Juniors - College Readiness Timeline for the Fall
MSEP - Midwest Student Exchange Program
The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) is a tuition reduction program that makes attending out-of-state colleges and universities more affordable for non-resident students. By enrolling in MSEP at a participating institution, you will receive a reduced tuition rate—giving you a wider range of education options for your education dollars. Over one hundred colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin have opened their doors to each others’ citizens by offering REDUCED TUITION RATES
Questions? For more information and contact information CLICK HERE
Want to get involved in school clubs? Here are a couple meetings that are coming up!
The difference between typical anxiety and an anxiety problem
Tutoring Resources
At LSW:
English Tutoring:
After school: English Lab will be offered Monday - Thursday from 2:25 - 3:25 in room 2138.
Overtime:
After school in Room 1291 with Mrs. Irr. This will be available once we return to in-person instruction.
Khan Academy: Free, online tutoring for all levels math, science, and history.
Tutoring Available at Mid-Continent Public Library
Tutor.com: For those who may benefit from additional online tutoring, the Library offers free, real-time tutoring services in more than 25 academic subjects, including math, science, social studies, English, and foreign languages, through Tutor.com. In addition to live help, Tutor.com also provides complimentary standardized test preparation services. Watch this brief video to learn more.
ACT Dates and Prep Courses
- ACT Test Dates and Registration: actstudent.org
- Naviance- Students can log onto their Naviance Student (Formerly -Family Connections) Account and access a wealth of free ACT Practice/Prep called "Naviance Test Prep".
- Junior and Senior students can take a course called "ACT Prep" as one of their elective classes at LSW. This class is a semester long class and offers content, test strategy, and test practice.
- After school ACT Prep Classes Offered in November, January, and March. The cost is $40. Flyers available in the Counseling Center. Register with Mrs. King ext. 4003 ACT Prep Class Dates & Deadlines
Transcript Release
Seniors - How to request a transcript for a college application. Students needing a transcript sent for college applications need to do so using Naviance Student. Click here for instructions.