Patriot Post
Counseling Corner: November Edition
Why Challenge Success
Check out the *video below that captures the voices of students, parents, and educators from across the U.S. explaining why they challenge success.
*Includes our very own student, Xaviera Pons!
Wellness Corner
This upcoming month we are happy to continue more workshops for our students. We have a Wellness Workshop scheduled on November 28 at 8:15 am in the commons, presented by Mr. Bohn, our psychology teacher, on The Power of Sleep. There will be a Lunch and Learn on November 16 during student lunch in the library, and the topic will be Stress Management. Parents, please help us by reminding your students to attend these workshops. If students have detention hours, we are able to credit them one hour for each workshop attended.
Spring Course Offerings
Coastline ROP is now enrolling students for the spring semester 2019. Many options for career focus electives are available, some including working with animals, construction, learning to cook and working in a dental office as a dental assistant. To learn about all the career focus opportunities, stop by the College & Career Center to register!
See the Coastline ROP spring course schedule here.
Hear past ROP students share their experience here.
Senior Scene
Counselors will continue to meet during tutorials Tuesday & Thursday to assist seniors with their UC & Cal State applications.
Irvine Valley College is offering a college course in the spring semester, Academic Planning, at our school. Information was provided to all seniors and they must register with Ms. Rosas in the Career Center no later than December 7th.
Be sure to complete the FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 2, 2019. Scholarship information is available in Naviance as well as in the Career Center.
If adding a college to Naviance, please let your counselor and teachers know so they can submit your required documents in a timely manner.
Many colleges are open early in the week of Thanksgiving so consider planning a college visit.
Junior Junction
Those planning to attend a four-year university after high school should plan to register and prepare for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT.
PSAT scores will be available December 10; check out your CollegeBoard account to see what your score means.
Start thinking about colleges that you may want to visit for Winter Break. Play with Super Match on Naviance to see all of your college options under your specifications. Colleges care what a student does outside of the classroom so start thinking about who you are or what you could do to bolster your resume.
Sophomore Stop
Part of the focus for tenth grade is to explore extracurricular activities and career exploration. All students have access to our Naviance program where interest inventories, career clusters and related career assessments can be explored. Remember to add three career clusters/ careers to your career list and speak with your counselor about these!
Start to research colleges. Visit schools during Thanksgiving and winter break as this can motivate students by showing them how all their hard work can pay off. Colleges care what a student does outside the classroom, so continue to do extracurricular activities. Research and learn what schools and programs interest you.
Click here for checklists for Academic and Financial Preparation resources.
Freshman Forum
Freshmen took the Practice PSAT on October 10th. This was a great opportunity for them to get familiar with the format of the SAT. Each section of the test assessed the academic skills that students have developed through their coursework. Students scored their own exams. The scores contain information to help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Students can continue practicing and building their skills using Khan Academy.
Throughout the month of November, freshman counselor, Erin Charles, will introduce students to Naviance and College Supermatch. Students learn how to calculate their GPA, log into Naviance, explore their areas of interest, and begin to build their college list.
-Project Objectives:
- Ability to calculate both unweighted and weighted GPA
- Ability to login and access Naviance
- Know how to search for colleges in Naviance Super Match based on personal preferences
- Identify important characteristics of colleges to consider when researching and selecting a college
- Identify 10 colleges that match preferred interests
- Learn more in-depth information about three colleges to assist with the college selection process
Finals week (Dec. 17th -20th) can be a stressful time for students. These exams draw upon your knowledge from the entire semester. Knowing how to properly prepare for finals is the key to avoiding stress. Here are some helpful study tips.
Start to research the colleges your student saved to their Naviance account by visiting schools during winter break. This can motivate students by helping them understand that school success is preparation to meet their post-secondary goals. Students should also develop their learning outside of the classroom. View information about clubs here.
Upcoming Dates
January 8: Cash for College Financial Aid Workshop, 5-7 pm in classrooms 131-136
January 15: 9th Grade Counselor Coffee, 8 am in the Commons
January 16: 10th Grade Counselor Coffee, 8 am in the Commons
January 17: 11th Grade Counselor Coffee, 8 am in the Commons
January 18: 12th Grade Counselor Coffee, 8 am in the Commons
Student Events:
November 16: Lunch & Learn Stress Management at lunch, BHS library
November 28: Wellness Workshop: The Power of Sleep, 8:15-9:00 am in the Commons