Counseling Corner

Join us at the end of the month for the Coffee Connection. See below for dates and details.

National School Counseling Week 2024 is Feb. 5-9, 2024. Your Beckman School Counseling Team is here to support students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development. Each counselor plays a vital role in supporting a total of 2751 students at Beckman. Learn more About School Counselors by watching this video by the California School Counselor Association.

Schedule Change Request: This form is for students wanting to change a spring semester course. Complete this form for each change request.

The deadline to change a spring semester course is this Friday, 1/19.

Requests need to be done using the student MYTUSD email.

All schedule changes are dependent on space availability

• T𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 or period 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 cannot be granted
• The 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 (𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬/𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐬) 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞
• A request to m𝐨𝐯𝐞 a schedule 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 schedule will not be granted once a schedule change is made.

Semester 2 has started and is in full effect. Here are the top tips from Cornell University on starting your semester strong. While students may be relaxed and calm at the beginning of the year, developing a schedule and mapping out your semester will lead to success.

Lunch and Learn Wellness – Come join our Youth Action Team (YAT of Irvine) to help bring wellness and joy within our community. YAT is a community based group by the City of Irvine, and YAT in a student lead group that unites the community to build upon student leaders and wellness in our schools. Come learn more, but also learn about how community based programs can help with your wellness as well as community service projects. Sign up here.

February is a month of relationships. Help your student build on their healthy relationships by supporting their key characteristics. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics

Spring 2024 ROP Classes can still register online at coastlinerop.org and if class is full, place on the waitlist.

IVC is here on Tuesdays at lunch time at Clock Tower.

IVC Information Sessions: 1/16/24, 2/13, 3/12, 4/16, 5/7 during lunch time at Career Center.

IVC Matriculation Services: Application, Orientation, Advisement 1/22, 1/29 (3pm to 415 pm) at Career Center.

Santiago Canyon College will be here 1/18/24 at lunch time and twice per month 1st and 3rd Thursdays.

If students submitted Work Permit and please stop by at the Career Center.

If students are interested job opportunities, stop by at Career Center to check the Job Listings Board.

Students please check your Naviance email for college updates and information.

Attention Seniors!

Stay in the Financial Aid Loop

The latest FAFSA application is now live! The deadline for both FAFSA and Dream Act applications is approaching on April 2, 2024. Don't let this opportunity slip by for potential college financial assistance. The Beckman Counseling Department is here to support you through various workshops, in collaboration with our local community colleges' financial aid departments. For more details, please refer to the attached flyer. Additionally, we've provided resources to assist you in navigating the new applications:

• FAFSA Application
• Helpful Video Guide
• California Student Aid Commission Programs
• Video Guide on Dream Act Application

California Promise Program Alert

If you're planning to attend a California community college and are eyeing two years of tuition assistance, the California Promise Program awaits. Ensure you've filled out the FAFSA/Dream Act to qualify. Learn more about the program's requirements and steps here.

First Semester Transcripts Update

Mid-year transcripts will be sent to colleges through Naviance by your counselor in mid-February.

Stay on Track in Second Semester

Keep your focus during second-semester classes! No matter how your first semester unfolded, the second semester is a fresh start. Colleges value continual improvement, and if your grades show an upward trend, it can positively impact waitlist or deferral outcomes.

Guard Against Senioritis

You've put in the hard work to reach this point in your academic journey, so don't let senioritis set in. Remember, colleges review your final grades at the end of the semester to make their decisions. Stay diligent and finish strong!

It's important for juniors to begin considering their post-secondary plans as there a variety of options and unlike the first 13 years of education, they now need to take the steps to make things happen. When counselors meet with juniors for their course selection, they'll also be completing a lesson on post-secondary options. In the meantime, we encourage them to think about these plans as well as engage in meaningful opportunities to support those plans this spring and into summer.

Spring and Summer Planning:

• Consider all post-secondary options: job, gap year, military, technical school, apprenticeship, community college, or university
• Learn about the requirements for the potential options
• If college is the planned option, learn the admission requirements for colleges of interest
• If testing is required, sign-up and take the appropriate tests
• For enrichment: volunteer, get a job, take an ROP or community college class, find a new interest or build on a current one

Choosing the right classes in high school is a critical step in shaping your academic journey and preparing for college admission. The selection of courses not only reflects your academic prowess but also allows you to highlight your areas of interest and passion. This is particularly crucial when it comes to college admissions, where a well-rounded and focused high school curriculum can make a significant difference. In this context, both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Art courses play pivotal roles in showcasing your diverse skills and talents.

In the realm of STEM, high school serves as a foundational period to build a strong academic background in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Admissions officers at colleges often value a rigorous STEM curriculum as it demonstrates your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and aptitude for scientific inquiry. Taking advanced placement (AP) or honors courses in STEM subjects not only challenges you academically but also signals to colleges that you are willing to tackle rigorous coursework. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities related to STEM, such as science fairs, robotics clubs, or coding competitions, further reinforces your commitment and passion in these fields.

Furthermore, the importance of Art classes in high school should not be underestimated. While STEM subjects emphasize logical and analytical thinking, Art courses foster creativity, self-expression, and a unique perspective. Colleges appreciate students who can bring a diverse set of skills and interests to their campus, and involvement in visual arts, performing arts, or creative writing can set you apart. Artistic endeavors not only showcase your ability to think outside the box but also highlight your dedication to honing skills that are crucial in fostering innovation and creativity.

Moreover, the intersection of STEM and Art, often referred to as STEAM, is gaining recognition. This interdisciplinary approach acknowledges the synergy between science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. Students who engage in both STEM and Art courses demonstrate a well-rounded skill set that can be invaluable in a rapidly evolving world. For example, someone with a background in both computer science and graphic design might excel in creating user-friendly and visually appealing software interfaces.

In conclusion, picking the right classes in high school is vital for college admission, and the choices you make can significantly impact how your application is perceived. By strategically selecting STEM and Art courses, you not only showcase your academic abilities but also demonstrate a well-rounded and versatile skill set. This combination of analytical thinking and creativity positions you as a dynamic and capable candidate, appealing to colleges seeking individuals who can contribute to diverse and collaborative academic environments.

• Parents, please join counselors, Mrs. Charles and Ms. Arellano, in the Beckman Commons on January 23rd @ 9am for the Spring 2024 Freshman Counselor Coffee Connection
• On January 23rd, 9th grade students will participate in a Grade Level Registration Meeting with our Beckman Administration. During this presentation they receive information regarding 10th grade course selection and upcoming events.
• 9th Grade Registration - 9th grade students must have their 10th grade courses finalized in their academic planner by Feb 13th. Starting February 15th, all freshmen will meet one-on-one with their 10th grade counselors to verify their course requests.