FRESHMAN PARENT GUIDANCE EVENING Fairfield Prep Guidance Department

FRESHMAN PARENT GUIDANCE EVENING Fairfield Prep Guidance Department October 10, 2013

CAMPUS MINISTRY Elliott Gualtiere-Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Larry Ryan, S. J. -Chaplain Fr. Bret Stockdale, S. J. -Assistant Chaplain Jon De. Rosa-Director of Student Activities & Christian Service Freshman Rally Day-Wednesday, October 16 th � Freshman Retreat Leaders Ber Evans Brendan Lacobelle John Manion Freshman Retreat-Thurs. March 6 th-March 7 th www. fairfieldprep. org

STUDENT SUPPORT GROUPS Divorce & Separation Group Grief Group Meetings will take place before school at 8: 00 a. m. Contact Suzanne Gorab or Elliott Gualtiere

SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE PROMOTION PLAN Concerns or referrals made to: � John Hanrahan-Dean of Guidance and College Advising � Jon De. Rosa-Director of Student Activities & Christian Service � Guidance Counselors Safe School Climate Plan

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Opening Remarks & Introductions John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising - Juniors/Seniors Rick Hutchinson - Juniors/Seniors Suzanne Gorab – Freshmen/Sophomores A-K* Dina De. Rosa- Freshmen/Sophomores A-K* Lynne Chesbro- Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z *Suzanne Gorab is currently filling in for Dina De. Rosa while she is on maternity leave.

FRESHMAN GUIDANCE SEMINAR Guidance Seminars meet 1 day per every 7 day cycle. Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years. It is a unique opportunity for students to interact with their counselor.

FRESHMAN GUIDANCE CURRICULUM Series of transitional, academic & social topics Transition to Prep Goal Setting Time Management Substance Abuse Stress Course Registration Study Skills Peer Interactions Exam Preparation Respect for Others

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. 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 and wants to be back in school with them. 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.

SOPHOMORE YEAR Topics specific to sophomore year: � PSAT Subject Tests � Collegeboard. com Naviance � PLAN Activities Resumes File review for all sophomores

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELOR MEETINGS Meetings are most productive when initiated by students Meet to assess the situation Contact teachers when necessary Contact parents when necessary Make referral to academic support programs Monitor progress

ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION Encourage students to check their Fairfield Prep e-mail account. Monitor Black Board and Net. Classroom Communicate directly with teachers via email. All teacher email addresses can be found in the Faculty Directory on the Prep website � www. fairfieldprep. org

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. � Explore interest and talents by getting involved in activities.

TAKING INITIATIVE-GET INVOLVED (STUDENT ACTIVITIES) 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 min after school; 1 or 2 times a week � All are welcomed!

STUDENT ACTIVITIES A list of the majority of clubs offered at Prep, but not all: Ø African American Cultural Club Ø Fairfield Connection (Service) Ø Political Awareness Ø Application Development Club Ø Fencing Club Ø Prep Players Ø Art Club Ø French Club Ø Robotics Club Asian Student Association Ø French Honor Society Ø Ø ASPIRA Ø Book Club Ø Bowling Team Ø Business Club Ø Campus Ministry Board Ø Cardinal Key Society Ø Chess Club Ø Criminology Ø Cycling Club Ø Debate Society Ø Encords Ø Fantasy Sports Club Ø Graphic Design and Film Ø Hearthstone (Yearbook) Ø History Club Ø Intramurals Ø Rubik’s Cube Club Ø S. A. D. D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Ø Jazzuits Ø Salt Water Fishing Club Ø Jeopardy Club Ø Science Club Ø Liturgical Music Ø Science and Engineering Ø Math Team Club Ø Media Club Ø Ski Club Ø Mock Trial Ø Soundings (Newspaper) Ø Model U. N. Ø Spanish Honor Society Ø Ping Pong Club Ø Squires Ø Stock Market Club Ø Trig*Star Club

ACADEMIC CENTER THE PEER TUTOR PROGRAM Who: Juniors and Seniors in the National Honor Society Where: The Academic Center � A 201 (8: 00 AM-4: 00 PM) 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 teacher or counselor

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: o o study skills organizational skills time management skills social skills

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Goal: Provide students with a quiet space to complete homework Participants: Mandatory for all student that fall under the required 2. 0 GPA Academic Standard after each Quarter � (Academic Probation) Where: Academic Center When: During free periods Moderators: Mrs. Alecia Thomas (Director of S. E. E. D. & Mr. Dean Davis (Director of Academic Center) Requirements: Attendance 3 times a week & student/parent contract

JUNIOR YEAR COLLEGE PLANNING The college planning process is discussed throughout Junior year during Guidance classes 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.

JUNIOR YEAR COLLEGE PLANNING CON’T Topics discussed throughout the year: Academic performance Standardized Testing Strategy (PSAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests) College Searching – Naviance Factors in College Admission Glossary Campus Visits Interviews Athletic Recruitment Summer Recommendations

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

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

CONTACT INFORMATION John Hanrahan Lynne Chesbro Juniors/Seniors Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z jhanrahan@fairfieldprep. org (203)254 -4200 ext. 2238 Rick Hutchinson Juniors/Seniors rhutchinson@fairfieldprep. org (203)254 -4200 ext. 2502 Suzanne Gorab Freshmen/Sophomores A-K lchesbro@fairfieldprep. org (203)254 -4200 ext. 2513 Jonathan De. Rosa Director of Student Activities and Christian Service jderosa@fairfieldprep. org (203)254 -4200 ext. 2247 Elliott Gualtiere sgorab@fairfieldprep. org Director of Campus Ministry (203)254 -4200 ext. 2133 egualtiere@fairfieldprep. org Dina De. Rosa Freshmen/Sophomores A-K kderosa@fairfieldprep. org (203)254 -4200 ext. 2758 (203)254 -4200 ext. 2255

QUESTIONS?