Freshman Parent Guidance Evening Fairfield Prep Guidance Department October 13, 2016

Guidance Department Opening Remarks & Introductions John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising - Juniors/Seniors Rick Hutchinson - Juniors/Seniors Suzanne Gorab – Juniors/Seniors Dina DeRosa- Freshmen/Sophomores A-K Lynne Chesbro- Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z JOHN

Campus Ministry Elliott Gualtiere-Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Bret Stockdale, S.J.-Chaplain Sarah Stanley-Director of Christian Service Freshman Rally Day-Wednesday, October 19th Required activity for all freshmen 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Casual dress – sneakers are a must! Prayer, conversation and some fun (outdoor and gym games/activities) Freshman Retreat-March 9th-March 10th ELLIOT

Safe School Climate Promotion Plan Concerns or referrals made to: John Hanrahan-Dean of Guidance and College Advising Guidance Counselors Safe School Climate Plan JOHN

Freshman Guidance Seminar Guidance seminars meet 1 day every 7 day cycle Meet during half of long period Theology classes Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years. It is a unique opportunity for students to interact with their counselor. DINA

Freshman Guidance Curriculum Series of transitional, academic & social topics Transition to Prep Time Management Naviance Study Skills Exam Preparation Transcript Review Learning Styles Substance Use Course Registration Peer Interactions Respect for Others Activities Resumes DINA

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. He’s also having trouble keeping track of his homework. 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. 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. DINA

Sophomore Year Topics specific to sophomore year: PSAT SAT Subject Tests Collegeboard.com Naviance ACT File review for all sophomores LYNNE

Individual Counselor Meetings Meetings initiated by counselor, student, teachers, parents Meetings are most productive when initiated by students Meetings typically involve discussions about the following: General check in Extracurricular involvement Academic progress Study strategies Personal/Social adjustment Time management DINA

Academic Communication & Monitoring Encourage sons to check their Fairfield Prep email account. Schoology-assignments, tests, quizzes Check often NetClassroom-academic progress Monitor regularly DINA

Academic Communication & Monitoring You are your son’s #1 advocate! Communicate directly with teachers via email Feedback or update on progress Faculty Directory on the Prep website Access textbooks on your own device with your son’s usernames and passwords Reader apps-Kindle, iTunes U, etc. Homework in the kitchen or dining room Be patient 

Student Responsibility Learning requires an investment of time and effort by the student. Encourage students to self-advocate. Initiate teacher contact 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. DINA

Taking Initiative-Get Involved 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 mins after school; 1 or 2 times a week All are welcomed! DINA

Student Activities A sampling of clubs offered at Prep, but not all: Art Club Astronomy Club Bowling Team Business Club Card Game Club Cardinal Key Society Chess Club Classics Club Latin Honor Society Conspiracies Club Creative Writing Club Cross Culture Club CT Science Fair Club Cycling Club Debate Club Diplomacy Club Encords Engineering Club Environmental Club Fantasy Sports Club Fencing Club Film Club French Honor Society Gaelic Football Club Historians Club Hearthstone Yearbook Irish Cultural Club Jazzuits Liturgical Music Math Team Media Club Mock Trial Model U.N. Political Awareness Club Philosophy Club Prep Players Robotics Team SEED Cultural Clubs Ski Club Soundings Squires Stock Market Club Student Government TrigStar DINA Comprehensive list can be found on the Prep website Campus Life Tab →Extra-Curriculars

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 parent, teacher or counselor Online Peer Tutor Form: Prep website→Academics Tab→Academic Center→Peer Tutor Request Form on the left hand side LYNNE

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. Regular meeting to provide support including: study skills organizational skills time management skills social skills LYNNE

Academic Enrichment Program Goal: Provide students with a quiet space to complete homework and/or study Participants: Mandatory for all students that fall under 2.0 GPA after each Quarter (Academic Probation) Where: Academic Center When: During free periods Moderators: Mrs. Alecia Thomas – Director of Diversity and Academic Support Services Requirements: Attendance 3 times a week and Peer Tutor

Junior Year College Planning The college planning process is discussed throughout Junior year during Guidance Seminars 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. RICK

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

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 JOHN

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 JOHN

Contact Information Sarah Stanley Director of Christian Service sstanley@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2096 Elliott Gualtiere Director of Campus Ministry egualtiere@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2255 Fr. Bret Stockdale SJ Chaplain bstockdale@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2264 Alecia Thomas Director of Diversity and Student Support Services athomas@fairfieldprep.org (203) 254-4200 ext. 3377 John Hanrahan Juniors/Seniors jhanrahan@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2238 Rick Hutchinson rhutchinson@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2502 Suzanne Gorab sgorab@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2133 Dina DeRosa Freshmen/Sophomores A-K kderosa@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2758 Lynne Chesbro Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z lchesbro@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2513 JOHN

Questions?