FRESHMAN PARENT MEETING

Q: “SO, WHY ARE YOU HERE?”A: “SO MY SON, MY DAUGHTER CAN GO TO

COLLEGE!!”

PRESENTATION BY YVONNE E. McNEAL, Ed.D.Director of GuidanceSeptember 15, 2016

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AGENDA

• Prayer

• Introductions

• Campus-wide Updates

• Freshman News

• Guidance Department Information

• Presentation

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PRAYERCanonization of Mother Teresa

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others.Amen.St. Monica ….. Pray for Us.

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INTRODUCTIONS

• Mrs. Michele Rice: Principal

• Ms. Tammy Martinez: Vice-President for Curriculum & Academic Initiatives; VP

• Ms. Jenna Clingingsmith – Confirmation Program

• Mrs. Carrie Boutros: Dir. of Advancement

• Mr. Alex Paen: Pres. Parent’s Association

• Ms. Brandi Zamora: Regional Supervisor, Outreach Concern

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CAMPUS-WIDE UPDATES

• Dir. of Advancement: Mrs. Carrie Boutros

• Mr. Alex Paen: President, Parent Association

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FRESHMAN NEWS

• Message from Mrs. Shea -- Freshman Class Moderator

• Messages from Campus Ministry– Freshman Retreat– Christian Service Policy

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FRESHMAN CLASS NEWS

• Message from Mrs. Shea, Freshman Class Moderator:

Parents, Each class has a parent volunteer who earns their volunteer parent hours working with the class moderator and parent’s association to host an annual event at the school. This is a fun way to get involved in your son’s or daughter’s school activities. The Freshman Class is in need of such a volunteer to work with Ms. Shea, the Freshman Class Moderator. If you have any interest please e-mail Mr. Alex Paen at apaen@telcoproductions.com

Thank you and feel free to email me with any questions or concerns :) “

Megan Shea

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FRESHMAN CLASS NEWS

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Yesterday and today, Freshmen experienced their first retreat as Mariners. Students celebrated Mass with Msgr. yesterday and Fr. Matt today. Campus Ministers Mr. Altamura and Ms. Garcia, and the student Campus Ministry members planned activities that allowed students to get to know the school, their peers, and God at a deeper level. They had an enjoyable and memorable experience.

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CAMPUS MINISTRY9TH GRADE CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Minimum of 10 semesters in Fall and in Spring

• Fall

– Location: do service within a faith-based community (church, temple, mosque, etc.)

– Type of service: outreach programs with the poor, with children, with elderly, etc.; church ministry such as music, hospitality, environment, etc.

• Spring: work with any grade-level population (see Curriculum Handbook, pgs. 25 & 26)

• Need suggestions? Go to SMCHS’ website -- Campus LIfe -- Campus Ministry -- Service; pdf file on page

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PERSONAL COUNSELING

OUTREACH

CONCERN

Ms. Brandi Zamora,

Regional Supervisor

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Who We Are & How We WorkOutreach Concern is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) counseling agency created to help students and their parents eliminate the barriers that impact their performance in the classroom. We have been providing counseling and support services in over 300 public, private and parochial schools for more than 22 years in Southern California. We have a proven track record of making a significant difference in the lives of students impacting their academic and personal performance.

Parents Are Part Of The SolutionMany problems begin in the home. Divorce, sibling rivalry, economic pressures, death or illness in the family and outside influences can affect the student’s performance at school. Today, learning is more than lesson plans, tests and grades. It’s about Reading a Student’s Environment, teaching Emotional Regulation and directing the development of Personal Competency. Parental involvement is critical requiring direct communication between the counselor, parents and teachers. In many instances the Outreach counselor becomes the necessary link to involve the parents and teachers to support a student’s development, safety and success.

GUIDANCE DEPT. INFO

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE– Mrs. Rakowski: Academic Counselor

Gr. 9 – 11, A – L

– Dr. McNeal: • Academic Counselor Gr. 9 – 11, M – Z

• Dr. McNeal: STEP Coordinator, A - Z

• Outreach Concern Liaison

– Mr. Mendoza: 12th Grade Academic Counselor & College Counselor

– Ms. Martinez: VP: Curriculum & Oversees the Guidance Department 12

STEP / SPECIAL NEEDSINCLUSION POLICY

• For students who have special learning needs (ADHD, Processing, Anxiety, Hearing / Vision Impairments, etc.) but participates in the general education curriculum

• Contact Dr. McNeal, STEP Coordinator or Ms. Martinez, VP

• Provide professionally prepared documentation (IEP, 504 Service Plan, Psychoeducational Plan, physician’s letter)

• We will make every effort to implement the recommendations (accommodations / minor adjustments) that the school can manage (extended time on tests, preferential seating, etc.).

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DISTRIBUTION OF GUIDANCE INFORMATION

• INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS at least once a semester

• GROUP MEETINGS IN RELIGION CLASSES– Introduction to Naviance– PSAT information before test– PSAT information -- general info score report– Preparation for final exams (pep talk)

– Explanation of curriculum pathways / 4-Yr Academic Plan

– Registration information / new classes / H & AP qualifying exams 14

ACADEMIC TESTINGMs. Tammy Martinez

• Testing Program at SMCHS• Brief Introduction to STAR Enterprise Testing

– SMCHS pilot program participation

– What it is

– Who is getting tested

– What it tests

– Why SMCHS is giving this test & how it is different from other standardized tests

– When and how often testing will occur

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PSAT TESTINGDr. McNeal

• PSAT 8/9 at SMCHS on October 19, 2016 from 8am until noon. – Establishes a baseline as students enter high

school; aligned with PSAT in 10th & 11th grades; college readiness

– Reading (vocab words in context; interpreting original documents)

– Writing & Language (editing)

– Math (1 section w/calculator and 1 section w/o)

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PRESENTATION

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Map of Student’s Four-year Plan

•HSPT scores, 7th & 8th grade grades, extra-curricular activities•9th grade course selection (CP, H/AP)•What is necessary to “promote” to Honors and Advanced Placement courses•Special interests: sports, musical & artistic skills, innovations, helping others•Strengths & Challenges: math & science; helping activities; concrete/abstract thinking•College goals•College major / professional goals•Adjustments made every year based upon accomplishment of goals

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GOALS

• School is the “stage” upon which teens develop from children to adults.

•Know what’s needed to meet your goals.

•You must prepare!! We’ll help you!

•Let’s begin at the end-goal: THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESSTip: On Naviance, students create their Resume to record all activities and accomplishments over the three years in high school.

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FOR NOW, LET’S BEGIN AT THE END: COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

• DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SOME COLLEGE APPLICATIONS. BUT …

• ALMOST ALL COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES STATE THAT – COURSE RIGOR (COLLEGE-PREP, HONORS, AND

ADVANCED PLACEMENT), – GRADES/GPA, AND – TEST SCORES

ARE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS TO DETERMINE COLLEGE READINESS.

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California State University (CSU)

•A – G Classes•GPA•SAT or ACT test scores•Eligibility Index; higher GPA and/or test scores for impacted campuses and majors•Letters of recommendation necessary ONLY for a few special programs

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University of California (UC)

• A – G Classes (Honors & AP classes to have a competitive application)

• GPA

• SAT or ACT test scores

• NO letters of recommendation will be accepted – UC Berkeley exception

• 4 of 8 Personal Insight Questions

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UC PERSONAL INSIGHT QUESTIONS• CHOOSE ANY 4 OF THE FOLLOWING 8 QUESTIONS; 350 WORDS

MAXIMUM• Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have

positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.

• Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

• What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

• Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

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UC PERSONAL INSIGHT QUESTIONS(continued)

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• Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

• Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.

• What have you done to make your school or your community a

better place?

• What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University of California?

PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

• Loyola Marymount, Occidental, Santa Clara, U of San Diego, U of San Francisco, Notre Dame, Georgetown, USC, Pepperdine, etc.

• Can be expensive over the course of four years; may need very attractive financial aid package

• Classes (Honors & AP classes needed to be competitive)

• GPA – high – very selective universities• SAT or ACT test scores• Common App Essays & Supplemental Questions

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2016-17 COMMON APP ESSAYS

• Seniors select one prompt.

• Write clearly, concisely, in student’s own voice, about an aspect of themselves that the university reader cannot decipher from courses, transcript grades and standardized test scores. Interested in student’s passion! Admissions rep is imagining the student on their campus!!

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COMMON APP ESSAY PROMPTS #1 & 2

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

• The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

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COMMON APP ESSAY PROMPTS #3 & 4

• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

• Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

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COMMON APP ESSAY PROMPTS #5

• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

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SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

• Most private universities have additional “writing supplements” or “supplemental questions” embedded in the Common Application. Students are asked to respond to questions – – may involve the mission of the school, or

– may ask the reason the student wants to attend the university, or

– May ask to respond to a prompt about a keynote speaker’s commencement address

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Universities that meet specific goals

• Mount St. Mary University (Doheny campus and Chalon campus)

• Grand Canyon University (AZ)– Partnership with SMCHS

• Assumption College (MA) -- Italy

• Lasell College (MA) – internships; individualized majors

• Otterbein (OH) – performing arts / NY31

BACK TO HIGH SCHOOL!!

• But this is high school!

• Why are you thinking about college???

• Typically, students feel a “rush” to do what they need to do to accomplish that end-point: Get the “good grades” and do what “looks good” for college acceptance.

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WHAT DOES HIGH SCHOOL LOOK LIKE?

• School is the “stage” upon which teens develop from children to adults.

• Through their classes, Christian Service projects, sports, club/organization participation, students develop, grow, mature, learn life’s lessons and academic content.

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DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

• Religion class, Mass, Christian Service hours 10/sem

• UC A – G College prep classes

• PSAT 8/9

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• Catholic Identity, spirituality, morals, ethics, service

• Academic, rigor

• College readiness

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DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

• Sports

• Performing Arts

• Clubs, organizations

• Homecoming

• Welcome Back

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• Sportsmanship, endurance, leadership

• Artistic ability, rigor

• Socializing, leadership

• School spirit, socializing

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DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

• THEN THERE ARE THE INTEGRATED STUDENT OUTCOMES (ISOs): FAITH

• St. Monica graduates will embody the Gospel message by…– Possessing the foundation to mature in their personal

relationship with God– Knowing and appreciating the teachings and traditions of

the Catholic faith and respecting other religions– Promoting a community of faith through prayer, worship,

and action

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DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

• THEN THERE ARE THE INTEGRATED STUDENT OUTCOMES (ISOs): ACADEMICS

• St. Monica graduates will demonstrate academic preparedness and intellectual curiosity by…– Identifying and solving problems using critical

thinking– Communicating clearly and concisely– Utilizing technology effectively and ethically

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DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

• THEN THERE ARE THE INTEGRATED STUDENT OUTCOMES (ISOs): PERSONAL GROWTH

• St. Monica graduates will cultivate their personal talents by– Possessing a deeper sense of self and true

appreciation of their unique gifts– Leading a healthy lifestyle that results in lifelong

physical and emotional well-being– Creating strong interpersonal relationships through

leadership and collaboration

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DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

• THEN THERE ARE THE INTEGRATED STUDENT OUTCOMES (ISOs): CITIZENSHIP & SERVICE

• St. Monica graduates will transform the world as responsible citizens and stewards by– Serving the local and global communities through

Christian service– Exhibiting civic involvement– Making ethical and socially just decisions– Promoting an inclusive society

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WOW!!!

• That’s a lot to cover in 4 years!

• But what does research from brain imaging tell us about the teenage brain? Are teens ready to learn what we (parents & school personnel) have to offer them?

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CURRENT BRAIN RESEARCH

Siegel (2013): Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain•“It is a vital time for adolescents to chart the course for the adults they will ultimately become. One brain researcher points out that it is during our teen years that we learn how to navigate the world outside the safety of home, how to connect deeply with others and how to safely take risks. “Siegel, Daniel. (2013). Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain. New YorK: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin

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CRITICAL HIGH SCHOOL YEARS

• High school years are most critical for human and personal development.

• From 13-14 years old to 17-18 years old. – Hormones!!!– Brain not fully developed for executive functions– Gaining independence / separating from parents /

belong to family but what makes me unique?– Becoming responsible– Developing ethics / making right decisions – Thinking critically

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THE TEENAGE BRAIN

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THE DEVELOPING TEEN BRAIN

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ADOLESCENT BRAIN

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COMMON PITFALLS THAT LEAD TO FAILURE

• Not doing homework (or not completely or accurately) – Please check Schoology!!

• Copying a classmate’s homework (integrity)

• Doing homework too fast or while multi-tasking (info not sinking into brain)

• Not communicating with teacher

• Not going to teacher’s office hours

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COMMON PITFALLS THAT LEAD TO FAILURE

• Looking for answers in the book and not absorbing the content

• Turning in assignments late (points off or zero)

• Not bringing materials to class

• Participating in too many activities in one semester

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PLANS FOR SUCCESS

• Working together: parents, teachers, administrators, students, community

• “It takes a village to raise a child” (Old African Proverb)

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PLANS FOR SUCCESS

• When a problem arises, make an appointment with the teacher … the BEST source of information and assistance with problems

• Make appointment with the guidance counselors & deans – we’re here to help!

• Make appointment with OC personal counselor

• Make appointment with administration

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PLANS FOR SUCCESS

By working together as a community, we may help adolescents achieve their academic goals, reach developmental milestones, and grow into faith-filled, responsible, mature young adults – ready to go to college!!

THANK YOU, AND GOOD NIGHT

SAFE TRAVELS HOME!

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