Guidance Office Update - February 2017

With the end of the second quarter, the Freshmen Guidance Groups came to an end.  They learned how to interpret their report card and transcript, and were introduced to study skills as mid-term week approached. Freshmen were encouraged to develop a study plan for each exam that they were taking.

Sophomores will begin their Guidance Groups in the third quarter. Schedules will mimic those of their freshmen Guidance Groups last year, meeting once per cycle. The focus will be both academic and personal. Students will learn how to understand their PSAT scores, set up College Board accounts and begin preparation for their SAT exams. An introduction to our online college and career tool, Naviance, will take place, with students learning how to investigate multiple careers, conduct a college search, etc. On a personal level, students will learn how to handle conflict resolution and anti-bullying techniques.
 
Junior parents, please note on your calendars Junior Parent night on Thursday, February 9th. The primary focus of this evening is the college preparation process. Juniors are strongly encouraged to attend with their parents. This year, we are partnering with Kaplan to begin the SAT preparation course in March. A letter was sent home with more specific details.

On Thursday, January 12th, Ms. Cascella hosted our annual College Experience Day; recent Prep alumni returned to their alma mater to speak to our juniors about what their time in college has been like for them. This was a huge success, as the juniors were afforded the opportunity to ask questions pertinent to their decision making as they begin the college selection process.
 
Parents of seniors, please take note, a new feature has been added to Naviance: The Graduation Survey. It can be found in Family Connection and is designed for seniors to report decisions received from colleges, scholarship awards received and final decision (when applicable) regarding attendance in the fall. A letter has been sent home with more information.
 
As of the beginning of the month, our seniors have been accepted to some prestigious and notable universities: Harvard, Villanova, Georgetown, Boston College, Fordham and Northeastern. Please join us in congratulating our seniors in a job well done!
 
Mrs. Jeanne Malazzo
Director of Guidance
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