Counseling Corner

Course Selection

Counselors have initially met with most students and are now working on any missed or previously absent to ensure everyone has an individual meeting. This will wrap up the week after spring break.

In May, students will receive an email of their course requests and will have another window of opportunity to make changes to their initial requests.

Summer School

Summer school information was also discussed with students during course selection meetings. Emails will go out to both students and parents/guardians beginning the end of March with more details. Students who qualify for classes at Pacific High School will need to complete an application. These emails will include this application.

Please see the attached flyer for summer school dates/times.

If your student needs extra support or to make up detention hours, there are several Saturday ExCEL dates for them to choose. Please see the attached flyer for the dates and to sign up.

Attention all students! Beckman is having a Public Service Announcement Contest! You can work individually or in groups to create this public service announcement (PSA) video to be featured in one of the monthly CCR lessons presented by the counseling team. Creating a PSA video fosters student collaboration, enhances technical skills, and allows students to apply their knowledge in a creative way. Look at the cool prizes offered by the Beckman PTO! Create your video today!

Fall 2023 ROP Registration Dates

The fall 2023 ROP class schedule will be available in early March. Students may receive emails and updates from ROP for the fall schedule by completing the Fall 2023 Interest List.

The registration schedule is as follows:

• Rising seniors: Monday, March 27 @ 4 PM
• Rising juniors: Wednesday, March 29 @ 4 PM
• Rising sophomores and freshmen: Friday, March 31 @ 4 PM

ROP provides Career Technical Education classes across many sectors including Automotive Technology, Nursing, Administration of Justice, Emergency Medical Responder/Technician, Fire Science, Culinary, Construction, Dental, and Pharmacy. ROP classes and internship classes are held after school across Orange County and are free for Beckman students. ROP classes count towards high school graduation credit and many are A-G UC/CSU approved classes. Internship classes are for students 16+. For more information about ROP, please visit Coastline ROP or contact Ms. McDonald at mmcdonald@tustin.k12.ca.us.

Summer Enrichment Opportunities

A list may be viewed HERE or on the BHS website under Counseling.

High School Pathways to Success Event:

TUSD is offering an event on 4/4 for all high school students and families to assist with postsecondary planning. Please se the flyer below and RSVP by 3/25.

March is another short month because of Spring break 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://campustours.com/

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/virtual-tours

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” before 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.

AB 469 Opt-out Form (English)

AB 469 Opt-out Form (Spanish)

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.

It is time for Postsecondary Planning!

During course selection, students also received a presentation on community college as an option after high school from a Santiago Canyon College rep. They also received a self-guided lesson on postsecondary options from apprenticeships to college.

The next information provided will be the BCAP.

What is the BCAP?

• Stands for: Beckman Career/College Admissions Process

• Lesson and Project in English Classes during the spring semester of your junior year.

• Includes instructions on the application processes for each type of post-secondary path, how to request letters of recommendation, questionnaires, resume, & much more.

BCAP Lesson: All 11th Grade students will participate in a lesson facilitated by the counseling team during their English class in April. This lesson will provide students an overview of the “big picture” of the BCAP process as well as researching and preparing for the post-secondary option of their choice. During this lesson all juniors will gain access to their counselor’s BCAP Google Classroom. It is recommended that you get familiar with all of the resources available in the BCAP Google Classroom. It has detailed checklists of each type of college application, deadlines, college and major exploration tools, military information, trade school/apprenticeship links, financial aid info, how to request teacher letters of rec (if needed) and so much more. This is also where students will submit their four BCAP documents to their counselor in the fall if they need a counselor Letter of Recommendation.

Summer is a perfect opportunity to explore different career paths and gain valuable experience. Whether you are a student on break or simply looking for ways to expand your knowledge, there are plenty of options to consider.

One option is to invest your time in volunteering. Not only does volunteering help you gain experience, but it also allows you to give back to your community. You can choose to volunteer at a non-profit organization or other community-based organizations that align with your interests. Through volunteering, you can learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership while making a positive impact in the world.

Another option is to take a class at a local community college. Community colleges offer a wide range of courses that can help you gain new skills and knowledge. You can explore subjects that interest you or take classes related to your career goals. Additionally, community college classes are often more affordable than those at a four-year institution, making it a cost-effective way to invest in your education.

Summer is also an ideal time to intern or shadow professionals in fields that interest you. This allows you to gain hands-on experience and insight into the daily tasks and responsibilities of a particular job. This experience can help you determine whether a specific career path is right for you.

Overall, summer is an excellent opportunity to invest your time in gaining experience and expanding your knowledge about possible careers. Whether you choose to volunteer, take a class, or intern, the experiences you gain can help you make informed decisions about your future.

https://tustinca.org/455/Volunteer-Opportunities

https://www.cityofirvine.org/live/irvine-gives/volunteer-opportunities

https://www.tpsf.net/

March is Sleep Awareness Month: Why Is Sleep Important for Teens?

Thinking and Academic Achievement

Sleep benefits the brain and promotes attention, memory, and analytical thought. It makes thinking sharper, recognizing the most important information to consolidate learning. Sleep also facilitates expansive thinking that can spur creativity. Whether studying for a test, learning an instrument, or acquiring job skills, sleep is essential for teens.

Emotional Health

Lack of sleep can affect mood, causing irritability and exaggerated emotional reactions. Over time, the consequences can be even greater for teens who are adapting to more independence, responsibility, and new social relationships.

Prolonged sleep loss may negatively affect emotional development increasing risks for interpersonal conflict as well as more serious mental health problems. Sleep-deprived teens are more likely to report anxiety and depression.

Physical Health and Development

Sleep contributes to the effective function of virtually every system of the body. It empowers the immune system, helps regulate hormones, and enables muscle and tissue recovery.

How Can Teens Get Better Sleep?

• Budgeting eight hours of sleep into their daily schedule and keeping that same schedule on both weekdays and weekends.
• Creating a consistent pre-bed routine to help with relaxation and falling asleep fast.
• Avoiding caffeine and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Putting away electronic devices for at least a half-hour before bed and keeping them on silent mode to avoid checking them during the night.
• Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/teens-and-sleep

As we move forward in quarter 4, here are some tips for Freshman:

· Plan to visit a college or two during spring break

· Have your parent attend Spring "Report Card Night" on March 30th (Time TBD)

· 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