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HPHS COUNSELING
School Year 2023-24: Semester 1 | Quarter 1
WELCOME BACK GIANTS!
This is the first of your counseling newsletters for the 2023-24 school year which will contain pertinent counseling related information. The newsletters can also be found on our school website. Please take a moment to read through the information below. Wishing you a wonderful school year and happy Quarter 1!
Letters of Recommendation for Seniors
Complete the student questionnaire -- the information you share will be used to write your recommendation letter.
Encourage a parent or guardian to complete the parent questionnaire.
Complete the Waiver of Access form (en Español)
Schedule your Senior Recommendation Meeting via your counselor's Calendly link (sent through email or found on your Counselor's Schoology page).
REMEMBER: the deadline to request a recommendation letter is 15 school days before your application deadline.
The Drop-In Center
Aside from the new staff, we have many groups run by your favorite HP Staff, ranging from groups like United which is a support group for students who have/know members in the military, to Latina Girls Group, which focuses on supporting Latina adolescents through any stage in their lives. These support groups are free programs in which the student can gain a sense of community, safety and a place to speak freely.
Did we mention that we have a food pantry in which students may grab a quick bite to eat if they are hungry? The food pantry is provided by Moraine Township in which we are so grateful for.
Our inaugural drop in and pop in was a GIANT success! Therapy dogs, sensory stations, coloring, snacks, and beautiful weather- what a way to kickoff the school year (and National Suicide Prevention Month).
Meet our wonderful drop-in interns!
Barbara Miller, Intern
Nora Malone, Intern
Sabrina Przytula, Intern
Christina Michaels, Intern
Andrea Schwarz, Intern
Alejandra Avila, Intern
Making the Most of High School
We understand that high school can be challenging, but with the right support, you can thrive. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Set Goals: Establish academic and personal goals for the year. Your counselors can help you create a plan to achieve them.
- Stay Organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities.
- Seek Help: Don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers or counselors if you're struggling with coursework or personal issues.
- Explore Extracurriculars: Join clubs, sports teams, or student organizations to make new friends and discover your passions.
Meet the Counseling Team
Mr. Alvarez
224/765-2048
Ms. Busse
224/765-2058
Ms. Ellis
224/765-2053
Mr. Getzendanner
224/765-2065
Ms. Ginopolis
224/765-2055
Mr. Hoskin
Ms. Kastner
224/765-2052
Dr. Morrison
224/765-2056
Ms. Pendergast
Ms. Shepard
Ms. Siegel
Ms. Tran
224/765-2049
Post-Secondary Updates
We host visits by over 200 colleges each fall, allowing students to explore options and learn more about colleges of interest. We also offer individual and personalized counseling appointments with a Postsecondary Counselor beginning second semester of junior year.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the PSC website!
Requests for a Level Change
On occasion, students may need to change the level of the class in which they are enrolled. In order to do so, students must initiate a level change discussion with both the teacher and counselor to start the process.
If you are requesting a level change up...
You may start your request when schedules are released in the summer and you have until the 3rd week of the semester to request a level up change. The deadline is September 8th, 2023.
If you are requesting a level down...
*note no changes will occur until the 4th week of the semester (September 15th, 2023) DEADLINE for a level change is 11 weeks into the semester, November 2nd, 2023
For any level change, the letter grade at the time of the withdrawal will accompany the student to their new class. As the semester progresses, the teacher will review the student’s grade to ensure that it accurately reflects mastery of the new course’s learning targets. Please know that due to schedule constraints, not all requests will be granted.
IMPORTANT DATES
October 14th: Indigenous Peoples' Day (no school)
October 15th: Institute Day (no school for students)
November 2nd: Last day to turn in a completed level change form
November 8th: Kickoff to Post-Secondary Planning (11th graders)
November 9th: Deadline to drop a course without penalty
November 11th: Veterans Day (no school)
November 21st: GrandGiants Day
November 22nd-24th: Thanksgiving break
December 18th-20th: Summative Exams
December 22th- January 5th: Winter break