Freshman Parent Guidance Evening

1. Freshman Parent Guidance Evening Fairfield Prep Guidance Department October 13, 2011

2. Evening Events • Introduction - John Hanrahan • Campus Ministry - Elliott Gualtiere • Safe School Promotion Plan - John Hanrahan • Freshman year - Dina Cyfeku • Sophomore year - Lynne Chesbro • Junior year - Rick Hutchinson • Senior year - John Hanrahan • Questions & Answers

3. CampusMinistry • http://www.fairfieldprep.org

4. Safe School Climate Promotion Plan • Fairfield Prep is committed to ensuring respect for the human dignity of all members of the Prep community. Consequently, we will not tolerate any form of harassment, cyber-harassment or intimidation as described in this Plan to promote a safe, positive and supportive school climate. • Any person who is aware of an incident of harassment, cyber-harassment, intimidation or retaliation is responsible to promptly report it to Jonathan DeRosa, John Hanrahan, or to any guidance counselor. • Any investigation of a report of harassment, cyber-harassment, intimidation or retaliation will be conducted by Jonathan DeRosa and/or John Hanrahan.

5. Safe School Climate Promotion Plan (Cont.) • The Investigation • Speak individually to all parties involved • The Resolution • Following interviews and any other investigation deemed appropriate, Jonathan DeRosa and John Hanrahan will determine whether and to what extent the allegation of harassment, cyber-harassment, intimidation or retaliation has been substantiated • Notification • If Prep’s policy has been violated the appropriate administrators will be notified. • Follow-Up • Made with all students found to have been targeted in violation of this policy

6. Guidance Department • John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising • Juniors/Seniors L-Z • Rick Hutchinson - Juniors/Seniors A-K • Dina Cyfeku- Freshman/Sophomores A-K • Lynne Chesbro- Freshman/Sophomores L-Z • Fr. George Gallarelli, S.J. – Counselor • Kim Bernier - Guidance Assistant

7. Freshman Guidance Seminar • Guidance Seminars meet 1 day per every 7 day cycle. • Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years. • It is a unique opportunity for students to interact with their counselor.

8. Freshman Guidance Curriculum Series of transitional, academic & social topics • Transition to Prep • Time Management • Stress • Study Skills • Exam Preparation • Goal Setting • Substance Abuse • Course Registration • Peer Interactions • Respect for Others

9. Transition from Middle School to High School – Sample lesson • 3 Scenarios highlighting different transitional issues that freshmen may encounter. • Scenario #1: Tom is struggling academically and finding it difficult to get a grasp on his classes. He has always been a good student and now is finding it difficult to get above a C. • Scenario #2: Jason did not want to come to Prep. It was his parents decision. He is upset that he is losing touch with his middle school friends and wants to be back in school with them. Despite his desire to leave, his parents have made it clear that transferring is not an option. • Scenario #3: Mike tried out for the freshman football team and was devastated when he did not make it. He doesn’t know many students here and was hoping that by joining a team he would make new friends. Mike is shy and doesn’t always make friends easily.

10. Sophomore Year • Topics specific to sophomore year: • PSAT SAT Subject Tests • Collegeboard.com Naviance • PLAN Activities Resumes • File review for all sophomores

11. Individual Counselor Meetings • Meetings are most productive when initiated by students • Meet to assess the situation • Contact teachers when necessary • Contact parents when necessary • Make referral to Academic Support • Monitor Progress

12. Academic Communication • Encourage students to check their Fairfield Prep e-mail. • Communicate directly with teachers via email. • All email addresses can be found on the Prep website • www.fairfieldprep.org • Communication through Black Board is a great way to keep track of homework, projects, tests, and quizzes.

13. Student Responsibility • Learning requires an investment of time and effort by the student. • Encourage students to self-advocate. • Contact teachers themselves • Seek extra help • Take the initiative with counselors and schedule an appointment themselves • Encourage students to set goals for personal development. • Take an active role in their own development. • Responsible participants in the Prep community. • Explore interest and talents by getting involved in activities.

14. Taking initiative-get Involved(Student Activities) • Explore interests and talents by getting involved in activities. • Provides a sense of connectedness to the school • Opportunity to meet other students • Helps to find their “niche” • CLUBS: • Diversity Clubs; Academic Clubs; Service Clubs; Intramural Program. • Meetings: Year-round; 45 min after school; 1 or 2 times a week • All are welcomed!

15. Student Activities A list of the majority of Clubs offered at Prep, but not all: • African American Cultural Club • Al’s Angels • Architecture Club • Asian Student Association • ASPIRA • Book Club • Bowling Team • Business Club • Campus Ministry Board • Cardinal Key Society • Chess Club • Cisalpine Club • Classics club • Cycling Club • Debate Society • Political Awareness • Preps Helping Hands • Prep Players • REACH club • Robotics Club • Rock Climbing Club • Science Club • Ski Club • Soundings (Newspaper) • Spanish Honor Society • Squires • Stock Market Club • Video Game Club • Weightlifting Club • Diversity Club • Encords • Fencing Club • French Honors Society • Hearthstone (Yearbook) • History Club • Intramurals • Jazzuits • Jeopardy Club • Liturgical Music • Longboard Club • Math Team • MSG Varsity Club • Mock Trial • Ping Pong Club

16. Academic Center The Peer Tutor Program • Who: Juniors and Seniors in the National Honor Society • Where: The Academic Center • A201 (8:00AM-4:00PM) • When: Before school, during free periods, or after school • Why: In order to aid students who are struggling in particular subject areas • How: student initiates or may be referred by teacher or counselor

17. INTERN PROGRAM • Fairfield University Psychology/Sociology Majors serve a semester internship at Prep The Interns • With the direction of the Coordinator, assess the student’s difficulties, help the student to develop goals, and coordinate with teachers, peer tutors and parents. • “Follow” a number of students and assess their needs • Provide support and regular meetings with student including: • Study Skills • Organizational Skills • Time Management Skills • Social Skills

18. 8th Period Program • Goal: Provide students with a quite space to complete homework • Participants: Mandatory for all student that fall under the required 2.0 GPA Academic Standard after each Quarter • (Academic Probation) • Where: Academic Center • When: 2:40-3:20 at least 3 times a week (Monday-Thursday) • Moderators: Guidance Department and Mr. Dean Davis (Director of Academic Center) • Requirements: Student and parent contract EXTRA HELP: If a student wants to receive extra help the time he spends with his teacher counts towards this program.

19. Junior Year College Planning • The college planning process is discussed throughout the junior year during Guidance classes and in individual meetings with the College Counselors. • We stress students taking ownership in the process. • A proactive and optimistic approach will reduce the stress of college planning.

20. Junior Year College Planning con’t • Topics discussed throughout the year: • Academic performance • Standardized Testing Strategy (PSAT, SAT Reasoning, ACT, SAT Subject tests) • College Searching – Web based (Naviance) • Factors in College Admission • Admission Glossary • Campus Visits • Interviews • Athletic Recruitment • Summer Recommendations

21. Senior Year Group & Individual Meetings on College Application Strategies & Procedures • Where, when & how to apply • Discussion of all aspects of the college application • Essay, resume, recommendations, filing procedures • Senior Parent Evening

22. Senior Year College Visitors • 150 colleges send admissions representatives to Prep for small group meetings with seniors • Decisions, Decisions • Review of acceptances • College Life Issues/Challenges • A look ahead at challenges

23. Contact information Fr. George Gallarelli, S.J. Counselor ggallarelli@fairfieldprep.org • Kim Bernier • Guidance Assistant • kbernier@fairfieldprep.org • (203)-254-4200 ext. 2437 Jonathan DeRosa Director of Student Activities and Christian Services jderosa@fairfieldprep.org (203)-254-4200 ext. 2247 • Elliot Gualtiere • Director of Campus Ministryegualtiere@fairfieldprep.org • (203) 254-4200 ext. 2255 John Hanrahan Juniors/Seniors L-Z jhanrahan@fairfieldprep.org (203)-254-4200 ext. 2238 Rick Hutchinson Juniors/Seniors A-K rhutchinson@fairfieldprep.org Dina Cyfeku Freshman/Sophomores A-K kcyfeku@fairfieldprep.org (203)-254-4200 ext. 2758 Lynne Chesbro Freshman/Sophomores L-Z lchesbro@fairfieldprep.org (203)-254-4200 ext. 2513

24. Questions?