
Counseling Corner
February Newsletter
School Counselors' Week
Academics
Saturday Excel dates have been set for the remainder of the year for your student to receive extra support and/or clear detention hours. Students can sign up with their teachers, scan the QR code on the morning announcements, or on our website.
Social/Emotional Well-being
As the winter blues continue, use these tips to bring up your and your student’s mood!
1. Get as much sunlight as possible
2. Get exercise - move your body
3. Eat healthy
4. Maintain positive, healthy relationships
5.Take up a new hobby
6. Spend time with family and friends
7.Talk to someone you trust
8.Keep a healthy sleep routine
9. Practice mindfulness- be in the moment and take a break from your phone and social media
10. Practice gratitude- remind yourself of three good things that have happened each day!
When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)’s website has a mental health video library to expand on your coping skills.
Lunch and Learn Wellness – March 13th Commons at Lunch. The Neurodiversity club will be educating our students on neurodiversity and wellness on campus. Student are welcome to sign up here.
February is a month of relationships. Help your student build on their healthy relationships by supporting their key characteristics.
College and Career
Community Colleges:
Irvine Valley College (IVC): here every Tuesday during lunch time at Clock Tower
IVC Counselor Visit: Time: 8:30-9:30 am at Career Center, February 14th and March 27th
IVC Pre-Registration Workshops: will be held at Career Center on 3/5, 3/19, 3/26 during lunch time
IVC Information Sessions: will be at Career Center during lunch time on 2/13, 3/12, 4/16, & 5/7
Santiago Canyon College will be at BHS during lunch time, twice per month on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at Clock Tower
Santa Ana College will be at BHS during lunch time on March 3/4/24
ROP Registration:
CoastlineRop Class Registration for Fall 2024 will begin on March 11th.
Juniors - Monday, 3/11 - 4 p.m.
Sophomores - Wednesday, 3/13 - 4 p.m.
Freshmen - Friday, 3/15 - 4 p.m.
For Students:
-If you submitted a work permit, please stop by at the Career Center to pick them up.
-If students are interested in Job Opportunities, please stop by at Career Center and check out the Job Board Listings.
-Wild Rivers Park will be at BHS on 2/16/24 during lunch time at Career Center.
-Please check your School/Naviance email for updates, college information, internships, scholarships opportunities, etc.
Grade Level Information
Senior Scene
February is the shortest month of the year but it’s also a busy month for seniors. Here are some tips to stay focused!
-Plan your virtual college visit. If you’re one of the lucky ones who knows now where you will be going next fall, congratulations! Many don’t. Now is the time to schedule any last-minute visits to the schools on your lists. Here are some helpful virtual college websites:
https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/virtual-tours
-Keep in touch with your school counselor. Make sure you’re on track for graduation. Keep them in the loop on your college plans to solidify your choice.
-If you haven't already done so, complete your FAFSA/CA Dream Act. It is due no later than April 2nd, 2024. If you need help completing the FAFSA/CA Dream Act applications check out the FAFSA/CADAA workshop taking place at Beckman.
Assembly Bill 469
-For our Beckman Parents here is news about recently passed legislation and we are requesting your assistance with completing the requirements of the new regulations. Last year, AB 469 was passed. The legislation requires all California seniors to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to “opt-out” prior to the end of their senior year, or to complete an application for the California Dream Act (CADAA). Included with this correspondence, you will find instructions on how you can complete your senior’s FAFSA form. You will also find a copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the FAFSA, and a copy of the Tustin Unified School District FAFSA opt-out form.
Please review these documents and begin to determine how you would like to proceed with this requirement for your senior. Students will be expected to submit proof of their FAFSA submission or a signed opt-out form. If you have chosen to opt out please return the form to the counseling department.
Federal Student Aid: Filling out the FAFSA Form
FAQs about the FAFSA and CADAA (English)
California Student Aid Commission: CA Dream Act
-Stay on top of your scholarship applications. Set a goal to complete 2-3 scholarships a week. It’s tedious, we know, but the rewards are fantastic.
-This year’s Parent “Coffee with the Counselors” slides are available for you to view at your convenience if you were not able to attend.
-So, even though this is a short month, there is plenty for you to do. Good luck!
Junior Junction
As juniors head into the spring, our focus shifts to postsecondary planning.
1. During course selection, juniors will also be learning more about their postsecondary options and how to work towards them.
2. This will continue in their English classes with the Beckman Career/College Application Process (BCAP) unit where students will work on their essays, resume, and continued research.
3. This will be followed up with a grade level meeting at the end of March where we will review the process and requirements and have them create their California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) logins, a new state requirement, that will be used to support them throughout their senior year.
4. On April 18th, students will select two breakout sessions including information from apprenticeships, certificates, and trade schools to applying to UCs/CSUs, community college, art schools, or four-year universities.
Check out this video that provides students with an overview of all their options: What should I do after high school? Roadtrip Nation
Sophomore Stop
- Explore Your Interests: Use your sophomore year to explore a variety of subjects. Take a mix of courses across different disciplines such as science, math, humanities, and arts. This exploration will help you identify your strengths and interests, guiding you towards potential career paths.
- Consider Core Subjects: While exploring, ensure you fulfill core subject requirements. These typically include English, mathematics, science, and social studies. A strong foundation in these areas is essential for success in many careers and college admissions.
- Research Career Options: Spend time researching various careers and industries to understand what appeals to you. Consider factors like job outlook, salary potential, and job satisfaction. Websites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and career assessment tools can provide valuable insights.
- Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek advice from teachers, counselors, or mentors. They can offer valuable insights into course selection and career planning based on your interests and strengths. Additionally, consider reaching out to professionals in fields you're interested in for informational interviews.
- Look Ahead: Keep your long-term goals in mind when selecting courses. If you have a specific career in mind that requires certain prerequisites or specialized knowledge, ensure your course selections align with those requirements.
- Balance Challenges and Comfort: While it's important to challenge yourself academically, don't overload your schedule to the point of burnout. Find a balance between challenging courses and ones that allow you to excel and explore your interests without feeling overwhelmed.
- Stay Flexible: Remember that it's okay to change your mind and adjust your course selections as you learn more about yourself and your interests. Your career path may evolve over time, and being open to new opportunities and experiences is key to success.
By carefully considering your interests, researching potential career paths, seeking guidance, and maintaining flexibility, you can make informed course selections that align with your future goals as a rising high school sophomore.
Freshman Forum
Getting Ready for 10th Grade! Freshman will meet one-on-one with their 10th grade counselors February 15th - February 22nd to verify their 10th grade course requests. During this meeting they will also get a lesson from our College and Career Center Specialist, Mr. Banua, about ROP classes available in the community.
If you missed it, the 2024 Spring Freshman Counselor Coffee Connection presentation can be found here. Please feel free to post any questions on this padlet wall. We also encourage you to fill out the parent survey
As we move forward in quarter 3, here are some tips for Freshman:
- Plan to visit a college or two during spring break
- Attend Spring "Report Card Night" on March 28th at 6pm.
- Look into summer internships, work, summer programs and community service, community college class to strengthen your academic resume
- Create an academic portfolio file with recent report cards, honors and co-curricular involvement
Ms. Arellano went into the language support classes to work with students in guiding them through their course selection process. The students learned about graduation requirements, their specific graduation status, elective choices and summer school. The lesson proved to be of great help and students left feeling more confident and prepared choosing their next year’s courses.
Thank you to Mr. Eberly for allowing our counseling team to present the AVID Success Lesson. Here is an overview of student outcomes: