The most development discussed at the meeting was the restructuring of the college preparation program for 11th graders. The guidance team, including Jennifer PR, Stephanie Bates, and Kelly Bowman, introduced a new two-part approach to College and Career Night, moving away from the previous method that was likened to “drinking out of a fire hose.” This change was made in response to feedback indicating that the previous single-session format overwhelmed students and parents with too much information at once. The updated program aims to provide a more organized and digestible process for navigating college admissions.

The first part of the session focused on the college search process, with an emphasis on using tools like Naviance to narrow down potential colleges. Students were encouraged to utilize the Super Match tool within Naviance, which allows them to filter colleges based on specific criteria such as location, academic offerings, selectivity, size, costs, and student life amenities. This tool is designed to help students create personalized lists of colleges that suit their preferences and needs.

A key feature of the meeting was the emphasis on parental involvement. Vincent Cersei, director of counseling and therapeutic services, stressed the critical role parents play in the college preparation process. He encouraged parents to stay connected with the guidance team and utilize resources like the guidance Google Classroom, which provides vital information on college planning, admissions visits, community service opportunities, and scholarships.

In addition to the college preparation program, the meeting addressed the significance of student engagement in the college admissions process. It was suggested that students create a separate email account for college communications to manage the influx of information effectively. The importance of direct communication from students to college representatives was underscored, with the recommendation that students, not parents, should be the ones emailing representatives. This shift toward student independence was acknowledged as a challenging transition for parents, who were advised to support their children while allowing them to take the lead.

The meeting also included a review of the recent college fair held on October 10th, which received positive feedback for student engagement and curiosity. Juniors were noted for asking insightful questions and collecting materials from various colleges. Upcoming college admissions visits were mentioned, with students able to sign up through their Flex learning platform. Resources available on Naviance, particularly the self-discovery tab, were recommended to help students identify their interests and potential career paths.

Recognizing the diverse pathways available to students, the guidance team acknowledged that not all students would pursue college immediately after high school. There was a discussion about the growing interest in community colleges and trades, with a reminder that some students may feel pressured to attend college when lucrative careers are available in trades. The guidance team was commended for making connections with unions and providing exposure to trade jobs through programs like shop Fridays.

Standardized testing strategies were also a topic of discussion. The recent practice SAT taken by juniors was intended to gauge student performance and identify areas for improvement. Students were encouraged to take the SAT or ACT multiple times, although schools are increasingly adopting test-optional policies. Registration details for upcoming testing dates and the availability of fee waivers for eligible students were provided.

Additional discussions covered the role of community service in the college application process. Students were advised to complete at least 30 hours of community service by the end of their junior year, with the suggestion that accumulating more hours could enhance scholarship opportunities. The guidance team emphasized the use of the Naviance platform to track college applications and related documentation, assisting both students and guidance counselors in the process.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the needs of student athletes and those requiring testing accommodations. The necessity for student athletes aspiring to Division I or Division II colleges to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center was highlighted, along with the importance of informing counselors about the need for testing accommodations for students with an IEP or a 504 plan.