High School Guidance Program

High School guidance classes are used as a format for age appropriate discussion in a small group setting, with the counselor serving as both facilitator and educator. Topics covered vary from grade to grade as students mature in their cognitive, social and emotional development. Additionally, these classes offer the counselor an opportunity to establish a relationship more quickly with her students. The guidance program is required for all students in grades 9 and 10.

Grade 9

Grade 9 guidance classes meet in small groups, once per cycle, for the entire academic year. The ninth grade curriculum is designed to stimulate discussion and debate, utilizing a variety of teaching modalities regarding current teenage issues. Specific topic areas include: adjustment to high school, learning differences, study skills, stress management, time management, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, decisions and consequences, Internet communication and safety, peer relationships, course selection for 10th grade, and career exploration.

Grade 10

Grade 10 guidance classes meet in small groups, once per cycle, for the entire academic year. The tenth grade curriculum includes a career interest survey, career research, initial college exploration using the Naviance program, the effects of alcohol on perception and coordination, and course selection for junior year. Other topics, determined by student interest, could include but are not limited to club drugs, stress, procrastination, depression, study skills, eating disorders, healthy peer relationships, and making decisions and their consequences.

Grade 11

Grade 11 college guidance classes meet in small groups once per cycle during the second semester. The curriculum is designed to introduce in a structured way the college search process to juniors. The program will provide an overview of the college process and give students a timeline for planning their activities. Topics to be presented include the following: personal inventory; using guidebooks; standardized testing; college visits; interviews; completing the common application and college essays.

Grade 12

Grade 12 college counseling classes meet in small groups once per cycle in the fall. The curriculum is designed to help students to finalize their college search strategy and to establish a timeline for their activities in the first semester. Topics to be presented include the following: reworking the prospective college list; determining the application option (early, regular, priority, etc.); standardized testing and understanding the office’s internal application process.