Freshman Parent Guidance Evening Fairfield Prep Guidance Department October 12, 2017

Guidance Department Opening Remarks & Introductions John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors Rick Hutchinson – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors Suzanne Gorab – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors Peter Francini – Freshmen A-D/Sophomores/Juniors Lynne Chesbro - Freshmen E-Z *Sophomore-Senior assignments to follow JOHN

Guidance Seminar Guidance seminars meet 1 day every 8 day cycle Meet during half of Theology classes on BLOCK DAYS (G & H) only Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years. Counselors are available for individual meetings on Days A-F 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

Academic Trends-sample lesson Review of transcripts from past Prep students Discussion of academic trends and how they are viewed by college admissions committees Importance of freshman year and the day to day efforts

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 Growth Plan-looking forward, setting goals, etc. 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. 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; Campus Ministry; Intramural Program. Meetings: Year-round; 45 mins after school; once a week Can join at any time of the year DINA

Student Activities 3Dmax CG Club Art Club Astronomy Club Audio/Video Club Board Game Club Bowling Team Business Club Card Game Club Cardinal Key Society Classics Club/Latin Honor Society Conspiracies Club CT Science Fair Club Cycling Club Debate Club Diplomacy Club Encords Engineering Club Environmental Club Fairfield Connection Fantasy Sports Club Fencing Club Film Squad French Honor Society Gaelic Football Club Golf Club Habitat for Humanity Hearthstone Yearbook Heroes Club Historians Club Ignatian Spiritual Warriors Club Intramurals Irish Cultural Club Jazzuits Law Club Lawn Games Club Liturgical Music Magic Math Team Media Club Mock Trial Model U.N. Philosophy Club Ping Pong Club Political Awareness Club Prep Players Robotics Team SEED Cultural Clubs Ski Clubs Soundings Spanish Honor Society STEAM Chess Club Stock Market Club Student Government Super Smash Bros. Club The Gathering Club Trig*Star Creative Writing Club DINA

Academic Center The Peer Tutor Program Who: Juniors and Seniors in the National Honor Society Where: 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: students stop in Academic Center during free period LYNNE

Fairfield University Advisor Program Fairfield University Psychology/Sociology Majors serve a semester internship at Prep The Advisors 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

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

Junior Year College Planning Discussed in Junior Guidance Seminars and in individual meetings with the College Counselors Emphasize students taking ownership in the process Proactive and optimistic approach reduces 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 Junior Parent Guidance Evening-January 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-Sept. 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

Safe School Climate Promotion Plan Concerns or referrals made to: John Hanrahan-Dean of Guidance and College Advising Guidance Counselors Administrators Teachers Safe School Climate Plan 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 Sophomores/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 Peter Francini Freshmen A-D/Sophomores/Juniors pfrancini@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2758 Lynne Chesbro Freshmen E-Z lchesbro@fairfieldprep.org (203)254-4200 ext. 2513 JOHN

Questions?