Welcome back to a year like none other. As we virtually begin this year, I wanted to reach out and keep everyone informed about how guidance counselors will remotely work with students and notify you of some upcoming events. Throughout the pandemic our team has participated in many professional development opportunities that will certainly enhance the way in which we will work with and support students during this time. We hope you find the information in this newsletter helpful.
Meeting Structure:
During this remote time, counselors will be virtually meeting with students in small groups, large groups, and individually. Group work will happen on Wednesdays to avoid taking large groups of students out of class. Individual meetings may happen at any time during the week. Counselors may also post asynchronous curriculum for students to review prior to our meeting time. Each counselor has a google classroom set up for each of their grade levels. Students were invited to their counselor’s google classroom last school year. For those new to CRLS, WELCOME and your counselor will share their google classroom link with you after the add/drop period on 9/30/20.
Appointments:
Guidance counselors will share a link to their Google calendars for students to make appointments. Please note appointment links will be shared after the add/drop period which ends September 30. Counselors will reach out to students and schedule appointments if needed before September 30th.
Reaching out to your counselor:
During this remote time the most efficient way to communicate with your guidance counselor is through email.
Grade Specific Information:
Grade 9:
Welcome to your freshman year of high school. The 9th grade counselors are excited to meet you and work with you as you transition from middle to high school.
- Today the 9th grade counselors shared a video welcoming you to CRLS and to introduce themselves. On Friday, there is time set aside where counselors will meet with 9th grade students. Links to those meetings are available with your orientation information.
- Caregivers: There will be an opportunity for caregivers to meet their child’s ninth grade counselor during the Curriculum Night in early October. Our family liaison will be communicating about Curriculum Night in the coming weeks.
- 9th grade counselors will be creating their Google classrooms and sending links to students after September 30th.
Grade 10:
Welcome to Sophomore year! This is another transition year where you are assigned a new guidance counselor who will work with you for the remainder of your high school career. We are excited to get to know our new students and assist you on your journey through high school.
- October 7th the CRLS Guidance Counselors will be meeting with 10th grade students in small groups. The purpose of this meeting is for you to meet your counselor, go over the sophomore school counseling timeline and hear important information from your counselor. Counselors will send a link for this meeting closer to the event.
- Caregivers: There will be an opportunity for you to meet your student’s 10th grade counselor during Curriculum Night in early October. Our family liaison will communicate about this event in the coming weeks.
Grade 11:
Welcome to your junior year! This is an exciting year where students will begin exploring their post-secondary options.
- On Wednesday, October 21st counselors will be meeting with juniors in small groups to discuss the importance of the junior year and go over important information you need to know. Counselors will send a link prior to the event.
- Due to the pandemic CRLS will not host the annual Career and College Fair. There are many virtual Career and College Fairs being offered by many organizations. Lynn Williams has been emailing virtual college fair information to students and caregivers as it becomes available. We will also begin listing future events in Naviance.
- During a typical year many colleges and universities would meet with CRLS students in the Career and College Center, however since we are remote, colleges and universities are reaching out to set up virtual high school visits. These visits are listed on the main page of Naviance under What’s Happening. If you click more, a full list of programs will appear. Students may register to attend any virtual visit by clicking the register button. On the day of the visit, students should click on the Zoom link provided in the comment section to attend the session. These sessions are a great way for students to learn about a particular college and meet the admissions representative who will be reviewing your college application.
- Caregivers: The guidance department will offer a post-secondary planning meeting for caregivers in the second semester.
Grade 12:
What an exciting year this will be! You are on the path to actualizing your post-secondary plan which will require attention and organization. To assist with this process, the guidance department has created a comprehensive school counseling website for seniors to refer to as you take the steps to finalize your post-secondary plan. View Senior Website >>
- On Wednesday, September 23rd guidance counselors will virtually meet with Seniors in small groups to discuss the post-secondary process. Guidance Counselors have created an asynchronous post-secondary curriculum for students to review prior to the meeting. Students may opt to look at only the modules that pertain to their personal post-secondary plan or review all the modules. The meeting on September 23rd will provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about the post-secondary process. Counselors will distribute a link to the asynchronous modules by Monday, September 21st. A link to the 9/23 meeting will be sent on 9/22/20.
- Caregivers: On September 24 from 6-7PM the CRLS Guidance Department will host a virtual Post-Secondary Planning Night for Caregivers. Similar to what is being done with students, guidance will provide caregivers with asynchronous content of Post-Secondary planning prior to the event. A brief video will be shown the evening of the event and there will be time for caregivers to ask questions of the guidance staff. A meeting link will be shared prior to the event.
- Due to the pandemic, colleges are scheduling virtual high school visits. Students may go to Naviance to register for a visit. Likewise many organizations have planned virtual fall college fairs. Please see emails from Lynn Williams regarding virtual college fairs.
- Looking to visit a college this fall? Many are providing virtual tours at this time. Check the college’s admissions web page for up-to-date information about visiting the campus.
- Financial Aid: CRLS has partnered with uAspire to provide free assistance to students and caregivers with completing the financial aid forms necessary for college and to review college financial aid award letters. uAspire will begin a texting campaign to keep students current with the financial aid process. Please complete the uAspire intake survey. Completing this survey will ensure you are receiving information about the financial aid process for college. If you have questions about uAspire you may contact Lynn Williams, Coordinator of Guidance. uAspire is planning a virtual financial aid night for caregivers and a daytime event for students. Ms. Williams will reach out with further information in the coming weeks.