Sophomores Planning for the Future January 12, 2012

Agenda Welcome The Life of a 15 Year-Old The PLAN Assessment Sophomore Year Activities Counseling Department Resources Questions & Answers

Middle Adolescence (ages 15 to 18) Developmental Markers Preoccupation with Body Image. Seeking Independence. Importance of Peers and Social Life. Increasing Sexuality. Development of Abstract Thinking. Growing Ability to Multi-Task and Organize. Search for Identity. Setting Long-Term Goals.

Post-Secondary Planning What should we be doing now to prepare for the future?

Take It Slow– No Pressure! Gather general knowledge about the college admissions process. Read selections from the recommended book list, “Lowering the Flame.” Be patient! More focused work begins Junior Year. No Test Prep courses necessary this early! Casual college tours only! Talk to college students and recent grads. Browse Naviance Family Connection website.

Testing for Sophomore Year PLAN –Taken in October 2011 MCAS –March ELA –May Math –June 5-6 Science AP Biology Exam –May 14 SAT Subject Test in Biology –June 2

The PLAN with Jared Bunzey ACT Consultant Northeast Region

Career Exploration Sophomore Career Workshops Do What You Are Career Cruising

Setting Goals for the Future Individual Meetings with Counselors Parents as resources

Course Selection -Course Selection in the spring -Electives -4 years of 5 core courses -Foreign Language - Use Resources

Extracurricular Activities Get Involved A few meaningful activities Summer experiences Internships

For Internships: The Education Collaborative More information at Contact Sherri Sigel at

Community Service Leo Club Environmental Club Peer Tutoring Outside Organizations

ENJOY!

Questions?