St Benedict Preparatory Schools: High School Grades 6 -12

Ms. Mueller will be available August 2- the first day of school from 10 am-1 pm to meet with students and parents. Seniors are encouraged to set appointments. It is a great way to get ahead in college admissions! Hope to see you there!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Nikki was recently named a Horatio Alger Scholarship winner. The award is given to “deserving young people who have demonstrated integrity and determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, and the personal aspiration to make a unique contribution to society." Only 25 students in Illinois are given this honor. Good Job Nikki!

 

This year, Saint Ben’s is proud to have five Illinois State Scholars. Ben Olson, Tyrone Palmer, Chelsea Farkye, Michelle Arriola, and Kristin Stevenson were given this award by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.  This award given to students based on their PSAT scores from junior year, ACT scores, GPA, and class rank. These students ranked within the top ten percent in the state. We are very proud of you!                 

Location: 2nd, next to the cafeteria

Hours: 7:30am—3:30pm.  Other hours by appointment

Staff: Tresa Mueller, Director of Guidance and Counseling

           Phone: (773) 539-0066 x 305

E-mail: (preferred) tmueller@stbenedict.com                                                                                                                                                                                             

The goal of the guidance department at St. Ben’s is to assist the

student to be SUCCESSFUL!

Although this sounds too simple, we find that students come with

impediments to their learning, decision-making and communication

skills, socialization, emotional and spiritual adjustments.  In order

to meet our goal of success, we use a variety of assessments to better

learn the nature of these impediments and to help the student make the

necessary changes and modifications.

Our staff is well-trained in evaluating the needs of students and then

locating, internally or externally, possible solutions to the needs.

The department offers short-term counseling, which may include the

parents, family members, and outside resources when appropriate.  When

the need for ongoing counseling or therapy exists, referrals are made

to agencies or individuals who are skilled in the particular issues at

hand.

REGISTRATION:

Guidance works closely with students and parents to meet the school, state, and college academic requirements for graduation from St. Ben’s.  We work with the student to understand the requirements, and what courses will best suit their needs. The staff biennially (or as needed) evaluates the student’s transcript to insure that all requirements are met.  Students may need to attend night school or summer school in the case of deficiencies.

TESTING:

Guidance reviews and attempts to utilize all of the information

available from the student’s elementary school, including IEP test

scores.  We also administer an ACT (college entrance) preparatory

exam, in addition to EXPLORE, PLAN, and PSAT exams, all given at the

school in mid-October to help students improve their test-taking

skills.  Additional career inventories or assessments of possible

emotional and behavioral concerns are also employed.

PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE:

We begin working as early as the freshman year to help identify careers of interest and possibilities for college for each individual student.  Throughout high school, the learning goals are continually re-evaluated and adjusted.  Juniors are assisted in selection colleges of their choice and obtaining the necessary information for admission.  Seniors are supported throughout the entire application process. Most St. Benedict students elect to attend 4 year colleges, but students attending community colleges, or joining one of the military services will also receive assistance from the guidance department.

STUDENT SUPPORT IN THE CLASSROOM:

Staff in the guidance department collaborates with teachers to

pinpoint students’ specific needs and to intervene in the case of

classroom conflict in order to implement resolutions.  Teachers may

refer students for tutoring, study table, etc.

COUNSELING:

Counseling is goal-oriented and designed to respect the student and

help them be successful not just in high school, but in preparation

for college and life.  We do not utilize psychotherapy or other

similar modes of therapy with students.

REFERRALS:

Contact with guidance staff to assist students is often initiated by

students, parents, teachers, school administration, etc.  Information

shared by students and parents remains entirely confidential and is

not communicated to other members of the faculty or staff unless the

student or parent(s) believe it is necessary.  The guidance department

sees every student a minimum of once per semester, with the frequency

varying according to need.  Students always have the option of coming

in on their own accord.  We also cooperate with the Dean when

behavioral or disciplinary issues arise.                                                                                                                                       

For further information, please contact the guidance department

directly.  In nearly every situation, our practice is to return every

phone call, letter, and e-mail within 24 hours.