Freshman Orientation to the Counseling Department October 2009

1. Freshman Orientation to the Counseling Department October 2009

2. The Purpose Of This Presentation: • Explain the role of a counselor and introduce the counseling staff • Share academic supports that students can use • Explain LC policy • Share student advice • Explain the components of a transcript and its importance

3. What do counselors do? • Help students with personal problems that are getting in the way of their academic success • Help students experiencing personal crisis – yourself or a friend • Counselors maintain confidentiality, only sharing personal information when you are at risk to yourself or someone else

4. What do counselors do? • Help students with study skills, organization, etc. • Work with students from 9th – 12th grade to select course work that will best prepare them for their goals after high school • In summary: we look out for your best interests

5. Counselor-Student Alphabetical Breakdown: • A,B, Z Ms. Teresa • C-E,Q,U,X Mrs. Chen • F-I Ms. Gottlieb • K Mr. Randall • M,P Mrs. Chee • R,S Mr. Woodford • L, T,V, W Mrs. Gilbert • J,N,O,Y Mrs. Eig

6. Last names A, B, Z Ms. Teresa

7. Last names C – E, Q, U, X Mrs. Chen

8. Last names F - I Ms. Gottlieb

9. Resource Counselor: Last names K Mr. Randall

10. Last names M,P Mrs. Chee

11. Last names R,S Mr. Woodford

12. Last names L, T, V, W Mrs. Gilbert

13. Last names J, N, O, Y Mrs. Eig

14. School Counseling Office Secretary Mrs. Lowery

15. Registrar Mrs. Goodman

16. College and Career Coordinator Mrs. Hull

17. Freshman AdministratorMrs. Mirshah-Nayar

18. How do I meet with my counselor or Ms. Hull? • Email! Our emails are on the RM website OR • Visit your counselor or Ms. Hull without an appointment any day before school, during lunch, or after school until 2:30pm

19. Resources You Can Use for Academic Support • Spin Book. Are you using it? Take it out! • Edline • Meet with ANY teacher for help at lunch • Departmental Help listed on Student Tip Sheet – put it in your Spin Book!! • Visit the Career Center

20. What happens if I am absent or tardy to class? • You could lose credit (LC) in a class by having too many tardies and / or unexcused absences: • 3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence • 5 unexcused absences = LC • You can lose credit if you refuse to do work in a class

21. What happens if I fail a class? • You have to take it over • You DON’T automatically move on from one grade to another: YOU HAVE TO PASS YOUR CLASSES!!!!

22. But don’t take our word for it… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oN6v9DFAtc

23. So what did they say?

24. So what do I do now? • Take challenging classes • Maintain consistent and good academic performance (GPA) • Start identifying careers of interest • Determine what training and education are required for that career • Take classes that get your ready for your career of choice • Participate in school and community activities – see RM website for sports and clubs • Seek help when you need it! Asking for help demonstrates strength, not weakness.

26. What is a transcript? The official record of your high school career that includes: • High school courses and grades • Credits earned and required • Student service learning hours • Attendance • High school assessment test scores

30. What makes a semester grade? • Your quarter grades (Q1+Q2) and (Q3+Q4) are averaged with your final exam grade to equal your semester grade • Unlike your report card, the only grade that is listed on your transcript is your semester grade • Colleges ONLY see grades on your transcript, and NOT your report card

31. What do colleges and employers look for on a transcript? • Quality of academic program • Semester grades

32. When Will You Need A Transcript? • Applying for • jobs • colleges and universities • training centers • scholarships • internships • Signing up for the military

33. Thank you for your attention!!