Although the year has just begun, there are some important dates IHS students and their parents need to remember.
Important Dates
Open House: Sept 24
PSAT: Oct 18
Optional PLAN for 10th grade: Oct 25
End of 1st nine weeks: Nov 5
Electronic Information
In an effort to enhance communication between the school and parents, we’re using Classroll.com. This computer program allows you to access academic information about your son or daughter via the Internet. By logging on to the system, you can choose one or more classes to review grades and test scores on an ongoing basis. You can even check attendance and see what assign-ments may be missing and what the make-up work entails.
Every student has already received account information and instructions on how to use Classroll.com. Also, the password is the same as last year. If you have not received this information, or have questions about using Classroll.com, contact your child’s guidance counselor.
Student Assistance
Academic difficulties, problems associated with drugs and alcohol, and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression are just a few of the challenges during the teenage years. The prospect of tackling these issues can be overwhelming to you – and your child. That’s where the Youth Educational Support Services (Y.E.S.S.) program comes in.
The Y.E.S.S. team comprises guidance counselors, teachers, the school nurse, administrators and outside agencies to help you get your son or daughter back on track. Team members are trained in various skills to work with students, maintain their self-esteem, and ensure confidentiality when doing so. In fact, we will not take action with your child prior to first getting your permission – ever.
The Y.E.S.S. program offers a variety of interventions, such as assigning a teacher as mentor, getting involved in peer discussion groups (e.g., new students, grief, family issues), and being referred for mental health evaluation. We provide a menu of services from which to choose; all you have to do is call your child’s guidance counselor to start the process.
SAT Preparation
Guidance Central, a free Internet-based pro-gram, offers free SAT prep exams students can take from home. Most students have been logged on the Guidance Central system and have an active account and knowledge about how it works. If for some reason they do not remember their account codes or you cannot access the free SAT exam, please contact your son or daughter’s guidance counselor or go to:
http://www.access.bridges.com
School site ID: 10000045
Password: seneca
In addition, Seneca Valley offers SAT preparation using materials developed by Cambridge Educational Services. The course is available in the fall and spring. Cost including the text book is $159. Contact one of the guidance counselors for more information.
Math Tutoring
No matter which math course a student is taking, he or she may need help. Math teachers are available each period of the day to provide one-to-one instruction, which can often make an abstract concept easier to understand. Students seeking math help may go for assistance during study hall, activity period, or after school in the senior high.
Testing and Assessment
On Saturday October 25th, interested students will be able to take the PLAN test sponsored by the American College Testing (ACT). These tests measure basic academic proficiency in English, math and science reasoning. The results, which will be added to students’ academic files, will help you and your child identify career interests and education or training required. This assessment, which costs $16, can help prepare students for the ACT and is a beneficial tool in planning for the future.
Guidance Personnel
Mrs. Kristen Kress A to G
kresskl@svsd.net
Mr. Tony Del Prete H to O
delpretea@svsd.net
Ms. Amy Calder P to Z
calderaj@svsd.net
Mrs. Noelle Byers Special Education
byersnj@svsd.net
Mrs. Kathie Brown Guidance Secretary
brownkl@svsd.net
If you have questions about this issue of Counselors’ Quarterly or need help for your child, call the Guidance Department at 724-452-6040 ext. 446.
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