The Guidance program at Elyria Catholic High School supports and furthers the mission of Elyria Catholic High School. It is created upon the principles of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national model of nine standards grouped within three domains: the academic, college/career and personal/social. We frame our work with a vision of each student achieving a successful first year of college. We want our students to walk on the college campus that is the right fit for their unique selves, prepared to:
• Challenge themselves academically and be able to manage their learning process independently
• To take advantage of the opportunities college has to offer
• To create connections with peers and professors
• To make choices of classes, careers or in relationships-that reflect each student’s integrity and positively impact his/her growth and development
In order for us to be of the most help in accomplishing the above, we need to get to know and understand our students over time, and we stay with them from 9th to 12th grade. Mrs. Moser sees students whose last names begin with A-L; Mrs. Davidson sees students whose last names begin with M-Z.
• Guidance 9
Guidance counselors, through classroom guidance and individual counseling, help students adjust to all aspects of high school life. Students learn about the meaning of grades, courses, GPA, transcripts, the importance of extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation. Students have opportunities to examine academic strategies and set goals. They take the ACT-Explore test in October, which is a practice test for the ACT with an additional “world of work” component. In Guidance classes, students are prepared with test-taking strategies which include how to focus, reduce anxiety and perform positive self-talk.
• Guidance 10
During individual and large group Guidance sessions, the foundation of the ninth grade program is expanded upon. Students take the ACT-Plan in October, which is the next part of the ACT preparation sequence. They do more exploration involving career preferences, occupations and college majors. They also utilize the academic skills data they receive with their ACT-Plan results to improve their academic story.
• Guidance 11
The PSAT, which is a practice test for the SAT and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is taken in October. Practice questions are covered so students will know what to expect on the test and on the SAT, which is usually taken in the spring. Counselors meet with students individually to interpret test results and initiate the college visit process. Students have opportunities to research colleges and careers in more depth and meet with college representatives during the school day.
• Guidance 12
During the first few weeks of the fall term, each senior will be instructed in procedures for applying to colleges. This includes; (1) when and how to apply, (2) recommendations and transcripts, (3) college visitations, (4) talking to college representatives, (5) financial aid and scholarships, and (6) college entrance exams. Each student will have an individual conference with a counselor to assist with decision making regarding majors, careers, which college to attend, personal questions and problems related to future plans.
Parent/Guidance Meetings are held periodically throughout the year on such topics as the college search & application process, paying for college and ways to promote student academic success. We also encourage parents to come in and meet with us about questions and issues related to the academic, college/career and personal/social well being of their son or daughter.
The following websites can assist you in planning your academic career at EC:
Grades 9-12: College Planning Checklist
www.actstudent/org/college/checklist.html
Academic Preparation
www.actstudent.org/college/highschool.html
Choosing a College
www.actstudent.org/college/choosing.html
Applying to College
www.actstudent.org/college/applying.html
www.educationplanner.org