SENIORS: GET STARTED ON THOSE APPLICATIONS!!!
College application season is well underway! Seniors are encourage get their applications into Ms. Mueller as soon as possible. Any parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Ms. Mueller at 773-539-0066 ext 305 or tmueller@stbenedict.com.
Each application should Include:
-Counselor Recommendation
-Teacher Recommendation
-Transcript Request (Ms. Moore)
See Ms. Mueller if you have any questions!
ACT and SAT registration and tests
SAT : Late Registration is until 9/21/2011 The Test Date is on: 10/1/2011
ACT: Late Registration is until 9/30/2011 The Test Date is on: 10/22/2011
CREDIT RECOVERY CHANGE
St. Benedict will be working in conjunction with Orange Lutheran High School- Online for credit recovery. Going forward, we will no longer accept credit from any other online or correspondence school. Please see Ms. Mueller if you have any additional questions or concerns.
GUIDANCE OFFICE INFORMATION
Location: 2nd, next to the cafeteria
Hours: 7:30am—3:30pm, Monday and Wednesday until 4:30. 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 students in order 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. 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 to locate, 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.
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.