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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. Academic Communication & Monitoring
You are your son’s #1 advocate!
Communicate directly with teachers via
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 

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. Contact Information
Sarah Stanley
Director of Christian Service
(203) ext. 2096
Elliott Gualtiere
Director of Campus Ministry
(203) ext. 2255
Fr. Bret Stockdale SJ
Chaplain
(203) ext. 2264
Alecia Thomas
Director of Diversity and
Student Support Services
(203) ext. 3377
John Hanrahan
Juniors/Seniors
(203) ext. 2238
Rick Hutchinson
(203) ext. 2502
Suzanne Gorab
(203) ext. 2133
Dina DeRosa
Freshmen/Sophomores A-K
(203) ext. 2758
Lynne Chesbro
Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z
(203) ext. 2513
JOHN

23. Questions?