Counselor Corner

Every quarter School Counselors will be sending a newsletter with important dates, tips, links and resources to navigate your way through your Junior year.

• Principal Corner
• Important Dates
• Testing Inspiration
• Course Selection for 23-24 school year
• Re-Registration for the 23-24 school year
• Summer School Info
• 5 Tips for a Mentally Healthy Summer
• Finding Your Path
• Holy Guacamole! I am Graduating
• 7 Mindsets Drawing
• Important Links
• School Counselor Information

April 10th-April 28th English EOC Testing Window

April 17th- May 5th- Math, Science and Social Studies EOC Testing Window

April 21st- 11th Grade Finding Your Path

April 26th- Summer School Info Meeting

May 5th- Summer School Applications Due

June 1st- Last Day of School

June 5th-June 30th- Summer School Session 1

July 10th-August 4th- Summer School Session 2

The School Counseling team recently held a course selection information session for rising 12th graders (that's you!) to review information about graduation requirements, course offerings, and the scheduling process for next year. If you were unable to attend or would like to review this information again, here is the link to the session recording:

Rising 12th Grade Course Selection Info Recording

Your 12th grade course request form is due by Friday, April 21st at 5pm. If you do not submit a course request form, your courses will be selected for you.

Summer School courses are being offered this year, free of charge, to current OHVA students who are credit deficient.

All summer school courses are offered on a limited basis. Students may take up to two courses per term, earning up to 2 full credits, as space allows. This is based on student need and course availability.

There will be two sessions of courses offered this summer:

• Session A: June 5-June 30
• Session B: July 10-August 4

The Memorial Day holiday marks the start of the summer for many students. While summer usually means lower stress levels without the pressures of school and extracurriculars, it can be the perfect time to focus on mental health. Here are five ways to support kids’ and teens’ mental health this time of year:

1)Make a plan.

Discuss your family’s summer plans (vacations, summer camps, daily/weekly activities) ahead of time. Mark events on a calendar that is visible to all family members so that everyone is aware of all the fun things that summer will bring. Set up a daily plan and schedule to maintain clear expectations and structure. Be sure that kids and teens know their responsibilities (e.g., daily chores) and rewards (e.g., time with friends, a trip to the community pool) to keep the household running smoothly and with fewer arguments.

2) Enjoy down time.

While scheduled trips and activities are wonderful for kids and teens, they also need time to relax and recharge while they aren’t in school. Enjoy relaxing activities as a family (e.g., take a walk, sit around a campfire) and encourage kids and teens to find their own activities (e.g., read a book, paint with watercolors) too. Savor every moment of summer by using the five senses (sight, taste, sound, touch, and smell) to maximize the relaxation. For example, encourage kids to think about each of the five senses while stargazing on a calm summer evening: look for the brightest stars, taste the s’mores, hear the sounds of laughter, touch the cool grass, and smell the campfire. Mindful relaxation allows the experience to be fully appreciated.

3) Set limits.

Most kids and teens want lots of screen time once school is out. However, setting clear and reasonable screen time limits is one of the best ways to improve the mental health of both kids and teens. Consider which websites, apps, and games are most enjoyable and which help connect kids and teens to their friends and family members. Make a plan for recreational screen time use that everyone in the family can follow. Talk with kids and teens about how a reduction in screen time can allow for more of the activities that everyone in the family can enjoy – like family dinners, exploring new parks, and playing board games.

4)Encourage bravery.

Even though summer brings fewer fears and stressors than the school year, it can be a great time to encourage kids and teens to practice bravery and flexibility. Kids who are nervous about writing or making new friends can practice these activities at a writing camp or in a sports league. Teens who worry about airplane travel or packing just the right amount of clothing in their suitcase might benefit from a short trip or summer camp. Help kids and teens to choose their own activities to practice bravery based on your family’s goals and values.

5)Prepare for changes.

For kids and teens who are returning to school in the fall with new teachers, new classrooms, or even new school buildings, preparation is key. Encourage kids and teens to check out their new space or plan to meet up with new classmates/teachers before the start of the school year to make the transition a bit smoother. Many students are returning to in-person instruction after months of virtual or hybrid learning; help make this easier by practicing some group learning activities this summer. Take advantage of summer school programs and tutoring groups to ease students back into the classroom.

Practicing these five things over the summer can help kids and teens manage their mental health through the summer and back into a successful school year this fall.

© Erika J. Vivyan, PhD. All rights reserved.

The Finding Your Path portal is set up for all students with informaton regarding graduation pathways, college and career readiness, mental and emotional health... all things your school counselor can assist you with. This is why your school counselor is the teacher for this course!

September 30, 2022: Goal Setting, Growth Mindset and Future Planning

October 28, 2022: Learning Styles and Related Careers

November 18, 2022: Myers-Briggs and Exploring Strengths

December 9, 2022: Your Future Starts Today

January 20, 2023: The Value of Working and Volunteering During HS

February 17, 2023: Performance and Test Anxiety/ Prepping for ACT and EoCs

March 31, 2023: Managing Stress and Healthy YOU

April 28, 2023: Getting Ready for Senior Year

The goal of Holy Guacamole is to provide 11th and 12th grade students with options available to them post-high school. While the idea of graduation is intimidating to many young adults, the question of“ What are you going to do after you graduate?” might be one of the most frustrating, especially if the student is still exploring options. Additionally, many students initially believe that only two option sexist after high school graduation: going to a “traditional” (4-year) college or joining the work force.

Our goal is to help students expand their knowledge of multiple pathways available to them after high school graduation and help students to fi nd the pathway that is the best fit for them.

You can access all resources on the Holy Guac Doc.

FALL:

Wednesday, September 21, 2022: Financial Aid Night @5:30

September 28, 2022: Common App 1.0 - Recording from session

October 5, 2022: 1st Gen College Students - Recording from session

October 12, 2022: Common App 2.0 - Recording from session

SPRING:

February 1, 2023: Career Exploration

February 8, 2023: Military

February 10, 2023: My 5-year College/Career Forecast

February 15, 2023: 2 yr Associates and Certificate Programs

February 22, 2023: Trades/ Adult Ed at CTC/ Apprenticeships

To find your School Counselor pleas see your Finding Your Path course teacher.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ohvaschoolcounselingdepartment/home
Phone: 419-482-0948
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHVASchoolCounselors
Twitter: @OHVACounselors