Counseling Corner

We have reached the end of the fall semester and finals have started. As we wrap up finals and enter our Winter Break, be mindful of wellness. Here are some tips to help your student.

1. Keep a routine to help your student stay active.
2. Teach your student about self-care and healthy eating.
3. Promote fitness and exercise and limit screen time.
4. Have quality family moments.
5. Watch your wellness and start preparing now! For Juniors who are collegebound, here are some tips to help you prepare for college over winter break. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/articles/how-juniors-can-prep-for-college-over-winter-break

Keeping a teenager busy and off their phones during winter break may seem like a big challenge for some. However, as an educator, it’s essential to protect their mental health by providing opportunities to teach your teen how to take care of themself. This may be met with resistance at first, but your teen will notice the benefits in the long run and thank you for it.

As students wrap up this semester and look towards the next, it's a good idea to be familiar with the academic resources available to them. Click here for available options.

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 1255 pm to 125 pm.

Santiago Canyon College will be here 12/21/23 1255 pm to 125 pm and twice per month 1st and 3rd Thursdays starting next year.

If students submitted Work Permit and please stop by at the Career Center to pick them up.

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

A great way to learn about potential careers or majors is through volunteering or summer enrichment programs. Share these links with your students to get started!

Need help with your FAFSA? Go here or heck this out:

Financial Aid Updates: FAFSA/CADAA

Good news – the FAFSA/CADAA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid/CA Dream Act Application) will be ready for parents and students to dive into by the end of December 2023. While we're waiting, a key move you can make right now is setting up an FSA ID for both parents and students. Check out this video that walks you through creating an FSA ID and offers some other handy tips to get you ready for tackling the FAFSA or CADAA application:

What is FAFSA?

How to Prepare for the FAFSA/CADAA

Applying for FAFSA

FAFSA FAQ

SENIOR MYTUSD EMAIL NOTIFICATION

We would like to share with you some important information regarding your student's mytusd.org email address.

• As they are working on college applications and exploring opportunities available after high school, they must be using a personal email address when completing these applications and not the mytusd.org email.
• Once students graduate high school, the Tustin Unified email address will no longer be available to use. Using a personal email address when applying will allow students to continue to receive communication once graduate.
• We wish your family all the best during this application season. The Beckman High staff is here to support you throughout this process!

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Keep working hard on those college applications if you have a December or January deadline!

If your school requires a School Counselor recommendation for a January deadline please make sure you have submitted your BCAP documents to the Google Classroom and updated your Naviance.

COUNSELORS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO WRITE LETTERS OVER WINTER BREAK, SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY!

A few additional details to remember:

• Submit your ACT or SAT scores directly to the colleges through the ACT or the College Board (for SAT) websites.

• If your school/s requests Mid-Year Reports to be sent, your counselor will be taking care of those in late January/February.
• Be conscientious in pursuing housing accommodations as soon as the colleges allow them so you have a better chance of getting your first choice in housing.

Leadership comes in many formats but students often think only in terms of power and position. Check out this TedTalk used as part of a lesson with Junior AVID students to help transform their perspectives on being a leader. Check out the results below.

Next semester students will be working with their English teachers and counselors to begin their postsecondary planning including resumes and essay writing. Encourage them to think of ways they've been a leader to themselves, their family, their school, or community.

Winter break from high school is a cherished time for students to unwind, recharge, and create lasting memories. As the holiday season approaches, it's essential for students to make the most of their time away from academic responsibilities. Here's some advice on activities that can turn your winter break into a well-rounded and fulfilling experience.

First and foremost, take a moment to relax and catch up on much-needed sleep. The demands of high school can be exhausting, and winter break provides an excellent opportunity to reset your internal clock and ensure you're starting the new year with a well-rested mind and body.

Consider embracing the spirit of the season by spending quality time with family and friends. Plan festive gatherings, whether it's a cozy night in with a holiday movie marathon, a potluck dinner, or a game night. These moments strengthen bonds and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Engaging in outdoor activities is another great way to make the most of the winter break. Whether you're in a snowy wonderland or a milder climate, activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or even just a winter hike can be invigorating. If snow is in short supply, take advantage of the cooler temperatures for activities like hiking, biking, or exploring local parks.

Volunteering during the winter break can be a rewarding experience. Look for local charities or community organizations that could use an extra hand during the holiday season. Whether it's serving meals at a soup kitchen, participating in a toy drive, or helping out at a local animal shelter, giving back to the community can bring a sense of fulfillment and gratitude.

Use this time to explore personal interests and hobbies. Whether it's picking up a new instrument, trying your hand at painting, or delving into a book series you've been meaning to read, winter break is an excellent opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.

Consider setting realistic goals for the break, whether they're related to personal development, fitness, or learning something new. This could be as simple as committing to a regular workout routine, learning a few phrases in a new language, or working on a creative project. Setting and achieving small goals can instill a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Take advantage of the break to plan for the future. Explore potential career paths, research colleges, or consider internship opportunities. Use this time to reflect on your aspirations and set goals for the upcoming year.

Lastly, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Whether it's through meditation, journaling, or simply taking time for yourself, make sure to nurture your mental and emotional well-being during the break.

In conclusion, winter break is a precious time for high school students to relax, recharge, and explore new experiences. By balancing social activities, outdoor adventures, giving back to the community, and personal development, students can make the most of their time away from school and enter the new year with a refreshed and positive outlook.

Can you believe we are wrapping up 2023? Your freshman are getting ready for their first experience of high school finals. Here is a helpful video about student wellness during final exams.

Freshman counselors and interns met with all 9th graders to teacher them about high school graduation and A-G requirements and the CTE/fine/performing arts pathway electives available at Beckman. Freshman left the lesson with an Aeries 4-year academic plan to work with throughout their 4 years. Pre and Post survey data collected shows freshman gained valuable knowledge (see below) . Go to Aeries and click on the classes tab and scroll to academic plan to view your student's plan today!