Counselor Corner

Mr. Sherman Parker (A-Ci), C100 Office Suite

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit about my background in education. I have been in the field for over 20 years, starting my journey as a University Recruiter shortly after graduating from Texas Southern University. This experience ignited my passion for education, leading me to teach and coach at various levels throughout my career. Each role has been incredibly rewarding, but I eventually decided to pursue my dream of becoming a Counselor, which has been a fulfilling transition. Education is my passion, and I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing community. My academic journey includes earning my undergraduate degree from Texas southern University and my Master's Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Outside of my professional life, I have a variety of hobbies that keep me engaged and inspired. I love music, spending time outdoors hunting and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. These activities bring joy and balance to my life!

Mrs. Carlene Leal (Os-Se), C200 Office Suite

Mrs. Leal has worked in Alvin ISD for the last 23 years. Her first 7 years were spent teaching 3rd grade. "I loved the classroom, but I wanted to add to my toolbox to help my students grow into happy and healthy people." To do this, she returned to school where she earned a Masters of Science in Counseling. She then moved on to become a Junior High School Counselor for the next 4 years. From Junior High, she has spent the last 12 years as a High School Counselor. She truly enjoys working with students and watching them achieve their goals. Mrs. Leal lives with her husband, 3 dogs and a rescue cat. They have a blended family of 5 children scattered across Texas with 7 beautiful grandchildren that they enjoy spoiling whenever they can! When not at school, she and her husband enjoy building teardrop campers and camping all over Texas and the Southwest United States.

Mrs. Angela Wright (Social Emotional Counselor) - A136

Mrs. Wright has spent 19 years in education, dedicated to helping students thrive. as a proud graduate of Lamar University with a Master's degree in School Counseling. She finds joy in building meaningful connections with students and supporting their growth. When She's not working, she treasures spending time with her three kids and friends, whether it's relaxing at home or exploring new places together on family vacations, the goal is always to make cherished memories along the way!

High School Counselors provide support to students with their educational, career, personal, social and post-secondary goals. As your high school counselors, we are here to guide and support you through every aspect of your high school journey. Whether you're navigating educational choices, exploring career paths, handling personal or social challenges, or preparing for post-secondary plans, we're here to help you succeed. Our goal is to ensure you have the tools and support you need to achieve your goals and make the most of your high school experience. Remember , no matter what challenges you face, we are here to help you find solutions to stay on task.

August 2024

The 2024-2025 school year began by welcoming our newest Mavericks to the campus!! Transition Day introduced the class of 2028 to the Manvel High School campus!! The Counseling team joined administrators and staff in the day of learning and fun activities for our freshman. Counselors kicked off the year with a grade level guidance lesson with all freshman students on graduation requirements and how to plan for a successful high school experience. The guidance lesson was followed up with a MHS Alumni Panel. Graduates of MHS returned to sit on a panel to offer advice and guidance to the class of 2028.

Counselor Corner for lunch began the first week of school. Counselors are available to meet with students in the cafeteria during all three lunch periods on the following days: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Be sure to stop by the table!!

September 2024/October 2024

The first week of September, Counselors visited seniors in their English 4 classrooms to discuss post-secondary planning. On September 18, 2024, we hosted the Senior Information Night/College Fair event. The MHS Counseling team along with our Advanced Academics Specialist Mrs. Root and our Dual Enrollment Advisor Mrs. Thompson lead breakout sessions for parents and students. The mini college fair hosted 20 College and Military recruiters who were eager to assist in guiding students through their college decisions and admissions processes.

In September, Counselors also began Senior Fall Conferences. These are individual meetings with the Counselor to review students progress towards the completion of their graduation requirements as well as discussing their post-secondary plans.

October 2024

Freshman students are up next!! We will be meeting individually with all freshman students and parents to create their 4 year plans.

Student Counseling Office Visits (August - September)

Social Emotional = 163

Academic Plan/Schedule = 262

Post High School Planning = 161

For many students (and their parents) entering high school freshman year, college seems like a lifetime away. Most are simply focused on ensuring a smooth transition from middle school–acclimating to a new campus, getting involved in clubs or sports, and adapting to the more challenging coursework. They assume thoughts of college admissions can wait until at least junior year, at the earliest.

Though the logistics of applying to college–including taking admissions tests, writing essays, requesting letters of recommendation, and applying for financial aid–can wait until junior and senior year, it is critical that students early in high school understand that their choices beginning freshman year can have major impacts on what options are open to them after graduation. Families can help students recognize some key decision points to pay attention to early in high school and understand how they relate to different college options.

College Admissions Requirements vs. High School Graduation Requirements

Many students and families would assume that the requirements needed to graduate high school are the same as those needed to apply and attend a college or university. This, however, is not the case. Many colleges require additional coursework in certain subjects or higher level courses to be taken compared to what is needed for graduation. And, college admissions requirements vary across schools.

Because graduation requirements are the same for all students within a school, counselors frequently share relevant information and ensure that all students are on track to complete them. With the wide variation in requirements between colleges, it is not possible for counselors to update students throughout their four years on whether they are on track to meet the requirements for different opportunities. Students and families can proactively research potential college options early during high school and make sure that their course selections are in alignment.

Taking the SAT & ACT

Requirements for submitting standardized tests as part of college applications have seen major changes over the past four years. Most colleges suspended these requirements during the COVID pandemic when schools closed and students were unable to sit for the tests. Many have brought back the requirement in the past year. Students with hopes to attend college should anticipate that even if schools are currently testing-optional, they could bring back the requirement at any time. And planning to take the SAT or ACT keeps options open–and students can always opt not to share their scores with schools that do not require them.

Making plans during sophomore year for test preparation allows students to spend adequate time studying and preparing for the content. Many students choose to take practice tests to familiarize themselves with the testing format and time constraints. This is especially important with the SAT that has recently gone digital, leaving many students unfamiliar with the testing structure and feel. Planning for testing early allows students to be prepared and take retakes, if necessary, while avoiding crises as senior year nears.

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Truly Being Prepared for College and Career

Beyond just meeting college application requirements, students want to make sure they are truly ready for higher-level coursework and have direction towards a career so they can make the most of their time in college. In order to be ready for college, preparatory coursework like AP, IB, or AICE courses or participate in internships during high school, it is important to ensure they will be able to fit the courses or pathways into their schedules. Participating in many of these opportunities requires certain prerequisites along with strategic scheduling.

During freshman year, students and families can make a multi-year plan for the courses your student hopes to take. This helps all involved understand how courses fit together. Students can revisit this plan during each course selection period to serve as a check on meeting requirements and can adapt the plan based on shifts in goals or areas of interest. Encouraging students during freshman and sophomore year to connect their courses to future goals can help them make thoughtful and informed choices.

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Knowledge is Power

Information is empowering. The more your student knows, the more strategic they can be in their high school decision-making and beyond. Learning about college admissions requirements for a variety of potential colleges during freshman or sophomore year creates a knowledge base that can be incredibly beneficial to future planning. Families can help students understand the different requirements and make decisions that keep options open as they explore interests and passions throughout high school–allowing them to enter senior year with confidence and clarity.

Article from SchoolLinks Weekly Newsletter (September 3, 2024)

October 23, 2024 - Alvin ISD College Fair (11th & 12th Grade students) - JB Hensler Academy (5:30)

October 23, 2024 - TSIA Testing (school-day) - students must register to test

October 24, 2024 - Freshman Parent Meeting (MHS auditorium) - 5:30-6:30

October 28th - November 12th - 9th Grade 4 - Year Planning Meetings (MHS)

November 6, 2024 - Scholarship Night (12th grade) - MHS LGI (5:30-6:30)

November 11th - 15th - Generation Texas Week

December - FAFSA Application Opens

Senior Google Classroom

AISD Scholarship Central

With Kids in Mind Newsletter

Webpage: https://www.alvinisd.net/o/mhs/page/counselors

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