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Issaquah High Counseling Newsletter

Winter 2020-2021 Update

Issaquah HighCounseling NewsletterWinter 2020-2021 Update

Almost Halfway to Summer!

Each quarter, the counseling office sends out a newsletter focused on academics, college and career readiness, and social and emotional support. We aim to provide information on community resources, upcoming events for families, and ways the counseling department can help support you in these three important areas. We look forward to working with you this year!


For a translated version of this newsletter, please click here.

Meeting With Your Counselor

Counselors will continue having student drop-in times on Fridays during Nest Time (1:30-3:00pm) for students to stop in with questions. Students can also make an appointment by emailing their counselor directly to set up a time to meet!


Nest Zoom links are accessible through the IHS Counseling Canvas Page!

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Alan Waite (A-Ci)

My name is Alan Waite and I am the counselor for students with last name A-Ci. This is my second year at IHS. I was born and raised in Seattle. I love to travel (I’ve been to 45 countries), cheer on the Seahawks, and play with my cat Bianca. My idea of counseling is to help students be known, understood, and supported. My job isn’t to give advice – you are the expert on yourself, not me. My promise is that my office (virtually or in-person) is a judgement-free zone. All are welcome. I look forward to working with you.
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Emily Combellick (Cj-Ham)

Hello! My name is Mrs. Combellick and I work with students who’s last names begin with Cj – Ham! I am super excited to be starting my TENTH year at IHS! Things I love most about IHS are: the awesome students, the caring staff and the incredible community that has been created. I’m slowly adjusting to working remotely, just as I’m sure you all are adjusting to learning in this new “normal” environment, too. I live with my husband and our two cats, Buster and Bella. My favorite hobbies are reading, baking and quoting movie lines. My favorite season is the Fall because I’ve always loved the excitement and anticipation of starting a new school year, and I also love when the weather starts to get chilly. I am looking forward to working with you all this year and can’t wait until we are all back together in person!
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Christian McKone (Han-La)

Hello IHS family! This is my 3rd year at Issaquah High School, and definitely the craziest! Although I miss seeing students and families in person, I am grateful that we can continue to connect through Zoom, phone calls, and even emails. Connection is the absolute BEST part of being a counselor. When I take off my counselor hat, you can find me walking my dog Bentley, decorating for the different seasons, reading murder mysteries, and binge watching a good TV show. A couple things that people may not know about me is that I actually attended Issaquah High School until I moved my junior year, and my younger sister and I have the same birthday. I look forward to getting back in the building when it is safe and continuing to support the purple and gold!
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Jen Martinson (Lb-Ol)

Hello! I grew up in the South Seattle area but spent many, many weekends and summers on the Eastside. I consider myself to be “from” both places...I remember the Highlands before they were there, and remember the plateau before there was anything but houses on the main road from Beaver Lake Park to Safeway. I worked at Redmond High School for 9 years before coming to Issaquah High in the fall of 2016. This is the start of my fifth year at IHS and I have enjoyed returning to the purple and gold, as a proud Husky alumni! My husband and I have two elementary aged girls and a new puppy named Odin. I love to learn new things, take new adventures and spend time with family and friends. I like to cook fun new recipes to munch on while watching sports on the weekend. Random fact about me: I didn’t get my first filling at the dentist until I was 22. I became a school counselor because I believe in the power education has to transform lives and I wanted to be a part of that for others. I look forward to working with you all and can’t wait until we can return to the building!
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Amber Claussen (Om-Sta)

Hello Eagles! I am excited to be back for my second year at IHS! This is my 6th year as a school counselor and I love my job and working in the Issaquah community. I was born in Boston but have spent most of my life in the PNW. In my spare time you will find me reading a good book (or 3 at a time), watching football, or exploring outside with my son Owen. A few random facts about me is I have never broken a bone, I have climbed all 5 volcanoes in WA, I have a twin sister, and I tend to be very sarcastic! I became a school counselor because I think high school is a critical juncture and an exciting time in life. I look forward to supporting you remotely (for now), and anxiously await when we are back in person (I have an awesome candy dish in my office so be sure to come check it out).
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Jen Schwarz (Ste-Z)

Hello IHS students! This is my 4th year as in IHS counselor, so I've really enjoyed seeing the students I knew as 9th graders, come into their own and start figuring out their strengths. I'm originally from Illinois and Missouri and every time I look out the window and see mountains I'm still in awe--it just never gets old! Some random facts about me are-- 1) Ran the 400m and 1600m relay in high school. Tried Pole-vaulting with comical results. 2) Favorite trip: visiting China--Suzhou and Pingyao Ancient City were my favorites. 3) I learned how to make sour dough bread and sourdough cookies during quarantine. I look forward to supporting you remotely and always enjoy seeing your faces during zoom drop ins!

Updates by Grade Level

Seniors:
  • The High School and Beyond Plan was due December 1st. If you haven't finished it yet, take a few minutes over the next couple of weeks to finish it. Exit interviews will be happening in March and you will only be eligible to sign up for one if you are caught up on the part in Career Cruising.
  • Mid-Year Transcripts will be available to send after 1st semester grades have been added at the end of January/early February. If your schools are requesting a copy of your mid-year transcript/1st semester senior grades, you can log in to your account on Parchment at any time to request an updated copy be sent; be sure to select “hold for grades” so we know to wait until your 1st semester grades are on there prior to releasing it. Counselors will send Common Application mid year reports as quickly as we can, but make sure to still order a copy through Parchment.


Juniors:

  • Counselors are currently meeting with all juniors to do Junior Credit Conferences. They are individual check-ins to go over credit requirements left for graduation, senior year course planning, and other graduation information. If you haven't had your conference yet, feel free to contact your counselor to find out how to sign up.

  • The High School and Beyond Plan was due December 1st. If you haven't finished it yet, take a few minutes over the next couple of weeks to finish it.

  • The Junior Milestones document for the 2020-2021 school year is updated in the 11th grade section of the counseling website. This document highlights information that is helpful for college and career planning!


Sophomores:


Freshmen:

  • Your first set of finals are coming up quickly! Make sure you are using your Nest time to ask teachers questions and get study help in the next couple of weeks.
  • The High School and Beyond Plan was due December 1st. If you haven't finished it yet, take a few minutes over the next couple of weeks to finish it.

Academic Achievement

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Issaquah Schools Foundation Tutoring

Issaquah Schools Foundation is now offering tutoring in several different academic areas!


World Language (Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 3:00 - 4:00 pm)

https://issaquah-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/98377851495

Meeting ID: 983 7785 1495


Social Studies (Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 3:00 - 4:00 pm)

https://issaquah-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/99740648942

Meeting ID: 997 4064 8942


Math (Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 3:00 - 4:00 pm)

https://issaquah-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/94241628437

Meeting ID: 942 4162 8437


Language Arts (Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 3:00 - 4:00 pm)

https://issaquah-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/99579859145

Meeting ID: 995 7985 9145


Science - Biology (Tuesdays @ 3:00 - 4:00 pm)

https://issaquah-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/97008058041

Meeting ID: 970 0805 8041


Science - Chemistry (Thursdays @ 3:00 - 4:00 pm)

https://issaquah-wednet-edu.zoom.us/j/97008058041

Meeting ID: 970 0805 8041


Directions for accessing tutoring:

  • Click on the Zoom link above and a teacher will be waiting to assist you with your schoolwork. If you have any trouble with the Zoom link please email Mr. Myers at myersz@issaquah.wednet.edu.

  • Once you have joined the Zoom meeting you will be asked to fill out a sign in survey to help us track which students are attending our tutoring sessions.

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Junior Credit Conferences

Counselors are currently meeting with juniors to go over their current credits, remaining graduation requirements, and to plan for senior year. If you have not yet signed up for your Junior Credit Conference, please use the link below to sign up with your counselor!

**If you are a running start student, you do NOT need a Junior Credit Conference.


Mr. Waite (A-Ci): https://calendly.com/mrwaite/junior-credit-conferences

Ms. Combellick (Cj-Ham): https://calendly.com/mrscombellick/junior-credit-conferences
Ms. McKone (Han-La): https://calendly.com/msmckone/junior-credit-conferences
Ms. Martinson (Lb-Ol): https://calendly.com/martinsonj/jcc
Ms. Claussen (Om-Sta): https://calendly.com/claussena/juniorcreditconference
Ms. Schwarz (Ste-Z): https://calendly.com/schwarzj/junior-credit-conferences

Semester 2 Schedule Changes

The google form for semester 2 schedule change requests will open on Friday, January 8th at 3:00 pm and will be available to fill out through Wednesday, January 20th at 3:00 pm. The link to the google form will be posted on the Issaquah High School Website.


REMINDER: We do not do schedule changes based on teacher preference!

Event Information

Running Start Q&A

If your student is interested in participating in the Running Start program for the 2021-2022 school year, mark your calendars for Thursday, January 28th! The IHS Counseling Team will post a short presentation on Monday, January 25th to go over the Running Start program, pros/cons on participating, and the outline on how to sign-up. Please review that presentation prior to attending the Q&A. The Q&A will start at 4:30 pm and will be available on our website afterwards for those unable to attend.


**Stay tuned for specifics regarding Q&A Zoom link and Running Start Presentation!

When?

Thursday, Jan 28, 2021, 04:30 PM

Grading Reminder

Grades are officially updated in the grading system eight times a year. While we recommend checking grades more often, these eight times will capture an up-to-date reflection of where your (or your student's) grade is at. These are not sent home as report cards via mail, so it is important to check the grade book in Family and Student Access online to see current grades. If you are having trouble logging in, please let us know!


Semester grades: these are the only grades that will appear on your official transcript. Your transcript serves as your official high school record and will be sent to your post-high school program or school.


Quarter grades: these are updated at the half-way point during each semester. They are a good check to see if you are on track to pass the class, or if you need to put in some extra work or seek outside support to find more success. These are not posted to your transcript.


Midterm grades: these are updated half-way through each quarter and are also a good check in tool to see how you are progressing in the class. Midterm 2 and 4 grades will be the last official grade updates before semester grades are due. These are not posted to your transcript.


Make sure to check Student and Family Access after each of these grading periods to see updated grades.

College and Career Readiness

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SAT/ACT Signup

SAT:

March 13, 2021 Test

  • Registration Deadline: Feb 12
  • Late Registration Deadline: Feb 23 (for mailed registrations), March 2 (for registrations made online or by phone)

Click here to register!


ACT:

February 6, 2021 Test

  • Registration Deadline: Jan 8
  • Late Registration Deadline: Jan 15

Click here to register!

Navigating the College and Career Center Website

Captions available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
IHS Overview of College and Career Website

High School and Beyond Plan

Past Due!


At Issaquah High School, students access Career Cruising in order to complete their High School and Beyond Plan. Career Cruising is a program that helps students build a future plan based on academics and career and life goals. Through their IHS login, students can access more than just the necessary components for their High School and Beyond Plan. They can create a digital portfolio for saving goals, grades, assessment results, and resumes. Students can also access a database full of career profiles, schools, programs, scholarships, and job-search tools.


General Informational Video


Check out the College and Career Center website here or the login information here!

Forbes' 15 Tips to Narrow Down Your Career Path

Choosing a career is a major decision. Even if you end up switching careers down the line, the first step you take into the working world will impact the entirety of your professional journey. But as someone with multiple interests, skills and passions, it can be difficult to narrow in on just one career that best represents your goals and dreams.

To help you find the right path, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council shared advice for deciding on the best career for you. Follow their advice to learn about who you are and point yourself in an ideal professional direction.


  1. Imagine Your Dream Job At This Point In Time
  2. Follow What You're Good At
  3. Identify Your 'Sweet Spot'
  4. Clarify Your Personal Mission, Vision, And Values
  5. Take A Creative, Hands-On Approach
  6. Look At People, Not Just Titles and Industries
  7. Ask Questions to Help You Eliminate Options
  8. Let Your Personal And Professional Values Be Your Guide
  9. Take Stock Of Your Innate Talents
  10. Choose A Fast-Changing Field
  11. Take A Career Assessment
  12. Define Your Ideal Work Day
  13. Get Clear On Your Definition Of 'Career'
  14. Invest Time In Self-Exploration And Your Journey
  15. Start Anywhere


Click the link below for the full article!

Social and Emotional Support

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Self-Care Toolkit

The toolkit below is your One-Stop Shop for everything self-care! From apps to stay connected, podcasts, book clubs, workouts, community service, board games, and so much more! This document will transform the way you experience social distancing.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Grit: the power of passion and perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth

Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank - COVID SHOPPING HOURS

Issaquah Resource Directory

Below is a directory of resources in the Issaquah community. It has contact information for agencies offering support for many needs, including homelessness, childcare, counseling, employment, legal, and medical services. See the attachment below for a full list of resources available.
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Contact Us

Counselor Alpha Assignments:

Alan Waite: A-Ci

Emily Combellick: Cj-Ham

Christian McKone: Han-La

Jen Martinson: Lb-Ol

Amber Claussen: Om-Sta

Jen Schwarz: Ste-Z

Email: marbutj@issaquah.wednet.edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/ishscounseling/
Location: 700 2nd Avenue Southeast, Issaquah, WA, USA
Phone: 4258376140