FRESHMAN PARENT GUIDANCE EVENING
Fairfield Prep Guidance DepartmentOctober 9, 2014
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Opening Remarks & Introductions
John Hanrahan – Dean of Guidance & College Advising - Juniors/Seniors
Rick Hutchinson - Juniors/Seniors
Suzanne Gorab – Juniors/Seniors
Dina DeRosa- Freshmen/Sophomores A-K
Lynne Chesbro- Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z
Laura Silence – Full time intern
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Elliott Gualtiere-Director of Campus MinistryFr. Larry Ryan, S.J.-Chaplain
Jon DeRosa-Director of Student Activities & Christian Service
Freshman Rally Day-Wednesday, October 15th
Required activity for all freshmen 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Casual dress – sneakers are a must! Prayer, conversation and some fun (outdoor and
gym games/activities)
Freshman Retreat-March 12th-March 13th
SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE PROMOTION PLAN
Concerns or referrals made to: John Hanrahan-Dean of Guidance and College
Advising Jon DeRosa-Director of Student Activities &
Christian Service Guidance Counselors
Safe School Climate Plan
FRESHMAN GUIDANCE SEMINAR
Guidance Seminars meet 1 day per every 7 day cycle.
Guidance seminar is scheduled for all 4 years.
It is a unique opportunity for students to interact with
their counselor.
FRESHMAN GUIDANCE CURRICULUM
Transition to Prep
Time Management
Naviance
Study Skills
Exam Preparation
Learning Styles
Substance Abuse
Course Registration
Peer Interactions
Respect for Others
Series of transitional, academic & social topics\
TRANSITION FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL – SAMPLE LESSON
Scenario #1: Tom is struggling academically and finding it difficult to get a grasp on his classes. He has always been a good student and now is finding it difficult to get above a C.
Scenario #2: Jason did not want to come to Prep. It was his parents decision. He is upset that he is losing touch with his middle school friends and wants to be back in school with them. Despite his desire to leave, his parents have made it clear that transferring is not an option.
Scenario #3: Mike tried out for the freshman football team and was devastated when he did not make it. He doesn’t know many students here and was hoping that by joining a team he would make new friends. Mike is shy and doesn’t always make friends easily.
3 Scenarios highlighting different transitional issues that freshmen may encounter.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Topics specific to sophomore year:
PSAT SAT Subject Tests
Collegeboard.com Naviance
ACT Aspire Activities Resumes
File review for all sophomores
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELOR MEETINGS
Meetings are most productive when initiated by
students
The IPAD has created an opportunity to form a closer
connections with counselor
Meet to assess the situation
Contact teachers when necessary
Contact parents when necessary
Monitor progress
Make referral to academic support programs
ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION
Encourage students to check their Fairfield Prep e-mail account.
Monitor Black Board and NetClassroom Communicate directly with teachers via
email. All teacher email addresses can be
found in the Faculty Directory on the Prep website
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Learning requires an investment of time and effort by the student.
Encourage students to self-advocate. Initiate teacher contact Seek extra help Take the initiative with counselors and
schedule an appointment themselves Encourage students to set goals for
personal development. Take an active role in their own development. Responsible participants in the Prep
community.
TAKING INITIATIVE-GET INVOLVED(STUDENT ACTIVITIES)
Explore interests and talents by getting involved in activities.Provides a sense of connectedness to the
school Opportunity to meet other studentsHelps to find their “niche”
CLUBS:Diversity Clubs; Academic Clubs; Service
Clubs; Intramural Program. Meetings: Year-round; 45 min after school; 1
or 2 times a week All are welcomed!
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
African American Cultural Club
Application Development Club
Art Club
Asian Student Association
ASPIRA
Book Club
Bowling Team
Business Club
Campus Ministry Board
Cardinal Key Society
Chess Club
Cycling Club
Debate Club and Team
Encords
Fantasy Sports Club Fairfield Connection (Service) Fencing Club
Political Awareness
Prep Players
Robotics Club
S.A.D.D. (Students
Against Destructive
Decisions)
Science Club
Science and
Engineering Club
Soundings
(Newspaper)
Spanish Honor Society
Squires
Stock Market Club
Trig*Star Club
Ultimate Frisbee Club
White Ribbon Club
French Honor Society Graphic Design and Film Hearthstone (Yearbook) History Club Intramurals Irish Football and Cultural Club Jazzuits
Jeopardy Club
Liturgical Music
Magic Club
Math Team
Media Club
Mock Trial
Model U.N.
Photography Club
Ping Pong Club
A list of the majority of clubs offered at Prep, but not all:
ACADEMIC CENTER THE PEER TUTOR PROGRAM
Who: Juniors and Seniors in the National Honor Society Where: The Academic Center
A201 (8:00AM-4:00PM) When: Before school, during free periods, or after school Why: In order to aid students who are struggling in
particular subject areas How: student initiates or may be referred by parent,
teacher or counselor Online Peer Tutor Form:
Prep website -Admissions Tab -SEED -Tutor Request form on the left hand side
INTERN PROGRAM
Fairfield University Psychology/Sociology Majors serve a semester internship at Prep
The Interns
With the direction of the Coordinator, assess the student’s difficulties, help the student to develop goals, and coordinate with teachers, peer tutors and parents.
Regular meeting to provide support including:o study skillso organizational skillso time management skills o social skills
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Goal: Provide students with a quiet space to complete homework
Participants: Mandatory for all student that fall under the required 2.0 GPA Academic Standard after each Quarter (Academic Probation)
Where: Academic Center When: During free periods Moderators: Mrs. Alecia Thomas – Director of
Diversity and Academic Support Services Requirements: Attendance 3 times a week and
Peer Tutor
JUNIOR YEAR COLLEGE PLANNING
The college planning process is discussed throughout Junior year during Guidance seminars and in individual meetings with the College Counselors.
We stress students taking ownership in the process.
A proactive and optimistic approach will reduce the stress of college planning.
JUNIOR YEAR COLLEGE PLANNING CON’T
Topics discussed throughout the year: Academic performance Standardized Testing Strategy (PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT
Subject Tests) College Searching – Naviance Factors in College Admission Admission Glossary Campus Visits Interviews Athletic Recruitment Summer Recommendations
SENIOR YEAR
Group & Individual Meetings on College Application Strategies & Procedures
Where, when & how to apply
Discussion of all aspects of the college
application
Essay, resume, recommendations, filing
procedures
Senior Parent Evening
SENIOR YEAR COLLEGE VISITORS
150 colleges send admissions
representatives to Prep for small group
meetings with seniors
Decisions, Decisions
Review of acceptances
College Life Issues/Challenges
A look ahead at challenges
CONTACT INFORMATIONJohn Hanrahan
Juniors/Seniors
(203)254-4200 ext. 2238
Rick Hutchinson
Juniors/Seniors
(203)254-4200 ext. 2502
Suzanne Gorab
Juniors/Seniors
(203)254-4200 ext. 2133
Dina DeRosa
Freshmen/Sophomores A-K
(203)254-4200 ext. 2758
Lynne Chesbro
Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z
(203)254-4200 ext. 2513
Laura Silence
Full-time Intern
(203)254-4200 ext. 2437
Jonathan DeRosa
Director of Student Activities
and Christian Service
(203)254-4200 ext. 2247
Elliott Gualtiere
Director of Campus Ministry
(203)254-4200 ext. 2255
Alecia Thomas
Director of Diversity and
Student Support Services
(203) 254-4200 ext. 3377
QUESTIONS?