1. Freshmen 411
Class of 2021

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Updating Your Academic/Career Plan
Visit the county website
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

9. PSAT 8/9 October 11, 2017 Skills Tested Benefits PSAT vs SAT
Skills Tested
Benefits
PSAT vs SAT
PSAT Scoring
Preparing for the PSAT
Testing Tips
Refer to handout

10. Nitty Gritty

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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!

14. 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!

15. 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!

16. 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

17. 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

18. Click on the “About Me “ Tab

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

20. 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

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

22. Wrap it up!
Questions?
Closing Thoughts…