Counseling Corner

• The first progress reports go out Thursday. Please be sure to check your student's grades to get ahead of any concerns.
• Teacher support: students can sign up with their teacher for their Wednesday tutorials. These are available to students every Wednesday except the first one of the month.
• Peer tutoring: Brighter Minds is a group of students who offer free tutoring to students during tutorial as well as some alternate times. Students sign up on their website.
• Additional support: Orange County Public Libraries offer free 24/7 tutoring available here.
• Students received individual cards with links and qr codes to each of these supports at the grade level meetings in August.

Tustin Unified School District High School Mental Health Specialist and School Social Worker Team is offering a parent workshop on suicide prevention and awareness. Parents are welcome to join virtually, Zoom Link in Flyer.

Beckman will kick off our student Mental Health Fair September 25th to 29th during lunch at the clock tower with a variety of resources, information, and prizes. Encourage your students to join us in the fun!

Club Rush will be on September 29th in the Commons. Clubs are an important part of Beckman as they motivate students to get more involved on campus, find friends with similar interests, and - in general - do some great things on and off campus.

Lunch and Learn Wellness’ next meeting will be October 18th in the Commons at Lunch. Students are able to collaborate with other students to learn about high school wellness. Students are encouraged to sign up before attending.

Ways You Can Help Your Teen Make It Through College Application Stress

Applying to college can be a stressful experience for teens, especially when they must balance homework and extracurricular activities with college applications and essays. Fortunately, you can guide your child through the process and turn it into a meaningful, positive experience. Here are some helpful tips:

• Make sure your child eats well and gets adequate sleep.
• Help them find extracurricular activities that are meaningful to them, and emphasize quality over quantity.
• Remind your teen of the big picture when they feel overwhelmed.
• Focus on finding the right college, not necessarily the best college.
• Listen to their needs, dreams, and concerns.
• Encourage authenticity rather than focusing on status.
• Remind your teen that there are hundreds of great schools out there, even if they are not on a “best schools” list.
• Remove some of the pressure, and do not spend every moment talking about college.
• Enjoy quality time with your teen that gives them a break from college concerns.
• Take a moment to reevaluate your expectations if you find yourself worrying too much about your child’s college or achievements.
• Discourage your child from taking on too many challenging courses or extracurricular activities just to impress an admissions officer.
• Help your teen figure out their priorities and what’s most important to them to help them feel less overwhelmed by options.
• Reassure them you are there for them no matter what.
• Maintain a positive attitude and make the experience meaningful for both of you.
• Emphasize that success is measured by good health, character, and learning new things rather than acceptance into a college.

Senior 1-on-1 Meetings

The counselors met with their seniors during Gov/Econ class from September 11-15. These meetings are intended to discuss graduation status and post-high school plans. If students are absent, they will be rescheduled during a makeup day.

BCAP (Beckman College Application Process) Reminders

Juniors, now seniors, completed the BCAP Lesson and project in English classes during the Spring semester of 11th grade. The BCAP included instructions on the application processes for each type of post-secondary path, how to request letters of recommendation, as well as necessary documents: student/ parent questionnaires, resumes, & personal statements. All seniors also have access to their counselor’s BCAP Google Classroom which includes instructions on the application processes and important deadlines. Check out the BCAP Google Classroom. The Counseling Department will be hosting multiple 4-year, Community College, Financial Aid, Military, and CTE workshops in the next couple of months, please encourage your students to attend.

BCAP Review

Early Action Seminar

Naviance Teacher LOR Request Tutorial

How to Add Colleges to Naviance “Colleges I’m Applying To” List

• B Prepared for Post-Secondary Success Night for 10th and 11th grades will be an asynchronous virtual presentation this year to assist your family in preparing for life after high school. It will be sent out via email on September 27th and be posted on our counseling website.
• Junior year is when we focus on post-secondary planning. Juniors have used it before but they will receive a CCR review in October on Naviance, our online platform to help with planning, along with other post-secondary information.
• In addition to Naviance, we encourage juniors to attend visits from college reps from throughout the country and even from other countries. Students can sign up on Naviance as well as access the list here.

Starting the academic year on a strong foundation is crucial for sophomore students as they transition into the heart of their college journey. Sophomore year is often seen as a pivotal point in one's academic career, where the novelty of freshman year begins to fade, and the challenges of specialization and deeper learning emerge. Here are some key strategies to ensure a robust start to the sophomore year:

1. Reflect and Set Goals: Sophomores should take time to reflect on their freshman year experiences, acknowledging both successes and areas for improvement. Setting clear academic and personal goals for the year ahead provides a roadmap for achievement.
2. Course Planning: Reviewing and fine-tuning one's course schedule is essential. Seek academic advising to ensure that the chosen courses align with long-term goals and interests. Balance the curriculum with a mix of core requirements and electives.
3. Time Management: Sophomore year often brings increased academic rigor. It's vital to hone time management skills to effectively juggle coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Creating a well-structured weekly schedule can help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
4. Engage with Professors: Building relationships with professors is a cornerstone of academic success. Attend office hours, participate in class discussions, and seek guidance when needed. These connections can lead to research opportunities and recommendation letters down the line.
5. Explore Extracurriculars: Beyond academics, sophomores should explore extracurricular activities that align with their passions and career interests. Joining clubs, organizations, or internships can provide valuable experiences and networking opportunities.
6. Wellness and Self-Care: Maintaining physical and mental health is vital for sustained success. Prioritize self-care practices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques.
7. Seek Academic Resources: Utilize academic resources available on campus, such as tutoring centers, writing labs, and study groups. Don't hesitate to ask for help when facing academic challenges.
8. Networking: Building a professional network early in college can open doors to future opportunities. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops related to your field of interest.
9. Financial Planning: Sophomores should review their financial situation, explore scholarship opportunities, and make informed decisions about loans and budgeting.
10. Stay Adaptable: Finally, it's essential to remain adaptable and open to change. College is a time of growth and self-discovery, and sophomore year is no exception. Embrace new experiences and be prepared to adjust your goals as you learn more about yourself and your aspirations.

By approaching sophomore year with intention, planning, and a commitment to personal growth, students can establish a strong foundation for academic success and set the stage for a fulfilling college experience.

To assist with this from a parent perspective, B Prepared for Post-Secondary Success Night for 10th and 11th grades will be an asynchronous virtual presentation this year to assist your family in preparing for life after high school. It will be sent out via email on September 27th and be posted on our counseling website.

A big welcome from your Freshman counselors, Mrs. Charles and Dr. Arellano. Our goal is to give you monthly tips for a successful freshman year.

• Come check out all the information and resources on the freshman webpage here.
• If you missed 9th Grade B Prepared for High School Night, you can view the slide deck here. Post questions on the parent padlet wall here.
• On September 7th, freshman received a Grade Level Lesson on resources and ways to get involved. You can view the informative slide deck here.

• Club Rush is on September 29th! Students will have an opportunity to check out all the clubs available on campus. Clubs motivate student to get involved on campus and allow students to make connections with others with similar interests. Check out our club page here.

• Parent tip: 10 ways to help your student suceed in high school

• Be sure to visit your student's teachers at Report Card Night on October 18th.