1. Welcome, Students!

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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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!

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

9. Postsecondary Planning and Preparation
Career Cruising
Job Shadows
Campus visits
Recruiters
College Adviser
Check GA High School Guidance Webpage for Documents, Links, and Events.

10. 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

11. Tips for Success
Balance
Organization
Study Habits

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

13. 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!

14. 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

15. Let’s Have a Great Year!