Freshman Parent Program 2015 Radnor High School Counselors

Freshman Parent Program 2015 Radnor High School Counselors: Jeri Banta, JJ Lemon, Sarah Mechura, Jeannie Semar, Amy Wess Agenda • Counselor role & transitioning to high school • Academic review and support services • Standardized tests and testing calendar • Naviance overview and registration • Course selection process

School Counselors � Jeannie Semar (A – Cl) ◦ Jeannie. Semar@rtsd. org ◦ 610. 293. 0855 x 3527 � Jeri Banta(Co - Gi) ◦ Jeri. Banta@rtsd. org ◦ 610. 293. 0855 x 3526 � Amy Wess (Go -La) ◦ Amy. Wess@rtsd. org ◦ 610. 293. 0855 x 3537 � JJ Lemon (Le – Pl) ◦ JJ. Lemon@rtsd. org ◦ 610. 293. 0855 x 3524 � Sarah Mechura (Po – Z) ◦ Sarah. Mechura@rtsd. org ◦ 610. 293. 0855 x 3523

The Role of the School Counselor �Academic Advising �Social and Emotional Support �Parent Resource �College and Career Planning

The Role of the School Counselor- grades 9 and 10 � Freshman Year: ◦ Transition to high school �Small group meetings with counselor ◦ Guidance Lessons (Health classes) �Academic Planning and PSAT overview �Introduction to Naviance �Do What You Are- personality assessment � Sophomore Year: ◦ Guidance Lessons �Career Interest Profiler (Holland) �Course selection and goal setting �Testing Overview

The Role of the Counselor- grades 11 and 12 � Junior. Year: ◦ Junior College Planning Evening Program ◦ Post-Secondary Planning Family Meeting � Senior. Year: ◦ College Application Evening Program ◦ Post-Secondary Planning (ongoing)

Student Support Staff � Ms. Stephanie Querze 610. 293. 0855 Ext. 3522 Counselor Assistant � Mrs. Leonor Gelpi-Perez 610. 293. 0855 Ext. 3529 Counselor Assistant � Ms. Christine Hofmann 610. 293. 0855 Ext. 3823 School Social Worker � Ms. Dorothy Lowery 610. 293. 0855 Ext. 3530 School Psychologist � Dr. Richa Kleiman 610. 293. 0855 Ext. 6122 School Psychologist � Mrs. Amy Wildey 610. 293. 0855 Ext. 3309 School Psychologist

Academic Review • Home Access Center • Schoology • Parent access coming this winter

Grading Scale Found on Page 12 of Program of Studies

Academic Supports � Academic Success Center Room 115 or Room 230 � Math Center Room 203 ◦ Open all 8 periods for students to drop in � Writing Center Library ◦ Open all 8 periods ◦ By appointment only – sign up sheet on Writing Center door � After School Peer Tutoring Library Writing Center ◦ Monday-Thursday 2: 30 to 3: 30 ◦ TEXT 610 -696 -8788 course, level, date desired

HS Hope � Student Assistance Program � Students who are struggling with any of the following: ◦ ◦ ◦ Behavior Attendance Health Academics Mental Health Drug and Alcohol � Members include school counselors, administrators, school psychologists, school nurse, and outside resources � See your school counselor for more information

What are the college entrance exams? � PSAT � SAT (new test format October 2015) (new test format March 2016) � ACT � SAT Subject Test- 20 different tests/5 content areas English History Math Science World Languages � AP- not part of the admissions requirements

When should these exams be taken? � Freshman year ◦ OCTOBER - PSAT ◦ JUNE- SAT Subject � Sophomore year ◦ OCTOBER - PSAT ◦ JUNE- SAT Subject � Junior year ◦ OCTOBER- PSAT ◦ SEPTEMBER - JUNE – ACT, SAT, and/or SAT Subject � Senior year ◦ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER – ACT, SAT, and/or SAT Subject

Frequently Asked Questions � Can students with a learning disability who receive accommodations in school qualify for testing accommodations? ◦ PSAT, AP ◦ ACT �Is preparation necessary? ◦ Refer to PSAT report- My Quickstart ◦ Free online practice ◦ Prep services & resource materials available for purchase ◦ KHAN Academy does a nice job explaining changes

What is it? • Naviance is a secure web-based college and career planning tool. • Each student will create an account in the spring of freshman year.

NAVIANCE features • Resume builder • Career Interest Profiler • Explore careers • Personality • Summer assessment- “Do What You Are” enrichment opportunities

NAVIANCE for the college research and application process � College search � Radnor specific application statistics � Register for college visits at RHS � Request transcripts (9 -12) � Research scholarship opportunities

Course Selection Process �After mid-terms teachers will enter core course recommendations into the scheduler (2 week window) �Any questions about course recommendations should be directed to the current subject area teacher

2015 -2016 Program of Studies will be available on rtsd. org

Course Selection Timeline Elective Choices • Students should review the Program of Studies, talk with teachers, parents, counselors, and classmates to help select 3 electives and 3 back-up choices. • Students will be responsible for uploading these choices into HAC in mid-February • Be mindful of prerequisites and graduation requirements. Prerequisites and graduation requirements are both listed in the Program of Studies.

Course Selection Timeline Counselor Meetings • Every student will meet with their counselor during a two week window at the end of February to review all courses selected. Counselors will be out of their offices those two weeks. We will review with students the following criteria: • • Total number of credits Leveling of classes Elective choices Overall balance of selections

Course Selection Timeline Course Changes • After the window for students closes, all course changes are processed by the students’ counselor. • Core courses changes require an override form. • English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language • Elective changes do not require an override form. • Students can make changes to their schedule anytime on or before June 26 th. After this date, no requests will be honored.

Course Selection Timeline What your child should be doing now • Reviewing the Program of Studies and thinking about what courses they want for next year. • Consult individually with teachers regarding course recommendations for next year. • Seek out your Guidance Counselor with any questions. • Prepare for mid-term exams January 21 st through January 23 rd.

Questions?