Freshmen 411 Class of 2021

Today’s Game Plan OPHS Counseling Overview Updating your Academic Plan PSAT Nitty Gritty of High School Strengths Finder

Welcome School Counselors Ms. Pamela Gardner- Director of School Counseling Mrs. Maureen Andrada- A-CA Ms. Suzanne Salvo- Cb-GI Mrs. Shronda Peake- GJ-LEE Mrs. Keisha Mercer- LEF-OR Ms. Taylor Oakley- OS-SEA Ms. Erin Fondren SEB-Z Mrs. Melissa Bach- Pre-Governor & Governor’s School

How can my School Counselor help me? Academically, Socially, Personally, Career/College Add extra support as you set and reach goals Serve as your advocate collaborating with teachers, administration, and parents Key people when it comes to transitioning to college and career life after OP

When Do I see my Counselor? Grade level visits each year Scheduling in Jan/Feb Intervention Meetings Questions, concerns, celebrations, encouragement, accountability Self-requested appointments

Appointments “I can never get down to the counseling office to make an appointment!” You can make an appointment online!!! Remember if it is an emergency, please seek out a trusted adult, get a pass, and come to counseling right away

What is the Counseling Career Center? College & Career Information Military Information Employment Opportunities Computer Lab Access Volunteer & Service Opportunities Brown Bag Lunches Other meetings with your counselors

Updating Your Academic/Career Plan Visit the county website www.pwcs.edu Click the STUDENTS tab (TOP RIGHT) Click on “High School and Beyond” Click on “College/Career Planning Resources” Click on “Academic Career Plan” under “Preparing to Graduate” Type in your Student ID number Review what you have completed Enter your name & date at the bottom of form

PSAT 8/9 October 11, 2017 Skills Tested Benefits PSAT vs SAT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlP9_dFpNYo Skills Tested Benefits PSAT vs SAT PSAT Scoring Preparing for the PSAT Testing Tips Refer to handout

Nitty Gritty

Graduation Requirements Standard Diploma (22) 4 English 3 Math 3 Science 3 History 2 HPE 2 FineArt/CTE/FOLA 1 Econ/Finance 4 Elective 6 Verified Credits SOLs Advanced Diploma (26) 4 English 4 Math 4 Science 4 History 2 HPE 3 Foreign Lang (or 2+2) 1 FineArt or CTE 1 Econ/Finance 3 Elective 9 Verified Credits (SOLs)

Using Naviance/Family Connection Post-secondary planning Research colleges and careers Manage the college application & scholarship process Become knowledgeable about how to access the site Take Personal Assessments Strengths Finder*, Learning Styles, Etc. *If time complete Strengths finder or show how to access it at end of presentation

Freshmen Year Matters! Embrace the clean slate and work hard Take challenging class but do not bite off too much Use your resources Form relationships with teachers and peers Speak up if you need help!

Study Skills & Taking Care of School Communicate early Make use of before and after school tutoring NHS will be announcing tutoring. Peers helping peers Make a study group Ask questions in class Do not procrastinate!

Taking care of you Enjoy moments each day Forgive your mistakes Practice gratitude and compassion. Connect with others Trust others, trust yourself. Understand yourself. Seek healthy relationships Ask for help & encourage others to get help Accept that things come & go Use your strengths to help your weaknesses!

Strength Finder Activity Logging in to Naviance/Family Connection Visit the Osbourn Park website Click on the School Counseling link Click on the Family Connection link (pictured) Enter your username (Student ID#) Enter your password (birthdate-MMDDYYYY) Log In

Strength Finder Activity OBJECTIVES Identify personality themes and how they relate to me Match my personality themes with possible career interests Further examine my career goals

Click on the “About Me “ Tab

Directions Continued….. Click on “Strengths Explorer” Answer all questions…….

Personality Themes…. Think about the theme in which you identify with most Jolt them down and think how you are using and can use your strengths

Next Steps Find a partner and discuss what you have learned How are you using your strengths? How can you use your strengths?

Wrap it up! Questions? Closing Thoughts…