Welcome, Students! 2018-2019

Overview Guidance Department Staff Role of School Counselor Why High School? Graduation Postsecondary Planning and Preparation Tips for Success

Guidance Department Staff Ms. Lindsey Lake High School Counselor Mrs. Patti Groetsema Guidance Secretary Ms. Gabby Wahla College Adviser

Role of School Counselor My goal is to understand, encourage, facilitate, and advocate to support the well-being of all students. I Can Help You: Select classes Assess course and credit requirements Develop academic and postsecondary goals Navigate the college planning and application process Problem-solve personal and social issues Connect with outside resources I Cannot: Provide long-term counseling or in-depth psychotherapy Promise confidentiality on all matters: On your behalf, I also work closely with staff, teachers, parents, and community organizations

Role of School Counselor CASA (Community Assisting Students Anonymously) Closet Located in Ms. Wahla’s office School supplies, toiletries

Why High School? Knowledge and Skill Development Postsecondary Planning and Preparation Personal Growth Creating Goals and Values Recognizing Strengths and Areas for Improvement Learning How to Be Effective Social Life Relationships Family Peers Staff/Community Extracurricular Activities Clubs Sports Volunteer Work

YOU NEED TO KNOW AND MONITOR YOUR CREDIT STATUS! Graduation All Postsecondary Options Begin with a High School Diploma. Graduation Requirements 28 Credits Available (7 per year x 4 years) 26 Credits Required (2 credit cushion) 18 Mandatory (Required by the State of Michigan) 8 Elective (including Dual Enrollment/EFA/EFE) Must Attend Full-Time for 4 Years YOU NEED TO KNOW AND MONITOR YOUR CREDIT STATUS!

Postsecondary Planning and Preparation Postsecondary Options Community College Four-Year University Trade School Apprenticeship Military

Postsecondary Planning and Preparation Career Cruising Job Shadows Campus visits Recruiters College Adviser Check GA High School Guidance Webpage for Documents, Links, and Events. http://www.g-aschools.org/

Postsecondary Planning and Preparation Postsecondary Preparation Colleges and Employers will Consider the Following: Knowledge and Skill Development Rigor of High School Courses Grades/GPA Personal Growth Personal Essay Social Life Letters of Recommendation Extracurricular Activities

Tips for Success Balance Organization Study Habits

Tips for Success Balance Prioritization of Goals and Values Overall Well-Being

Tips for Success Organization FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU! Physical Mental Binders, Notebooks, and Folders Reducing Clutter and Keeping Tidy Home/Car Locker/Backpack Mental Planners and Checklists FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

Tips for Success Study Habits Be Present Understand Directions Physically Mentally Understand Directions Ask for Clarification Complete Homework Read Review/Practice Turn-in ALL Assignments ON Time Monitor Grades Ask for Help

Let’s Have a Great Year!