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HPHS Counseling Department
School year 2023-24: Semester 1 | Quarter 2
HAPPY HOLIDAYS GIANTS!
As we approach the end of another successful semester, we want to take a moment to extend warm wishes for a joyful and restful holiday season. May this holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and moments of joy shared with family and friends. Wishing you all a happy and peaceful holiday season and a wonderful start to 2024!
This is the second of your counseling newsletters for the 2023-24 school year which will contain pertinent counseling related information. The newsletters can also be found on the Counseling website under the Newsletter tab. Please take a moment to read through the information below.
Summative Assessment Week
Students are only expected to be present in the building for scheduled summative assessment activities. The building will be open during regular school hours and study spaces and food service will be available for students.
First semester grades in Infinite Campus will be considered final on Tuesday, January 17, 2024.
The drop-in center will be open for support during passing periods only.
Finals Tips
Finals can be stressful for a variety of reasons. Maintaining your daily self-care routine is extra important this time of year.
Remember, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and “You can’t start a car with no fuel,” are common sayings you might’ve heard before. Without sufficient energy, powering through finals week will feel 10x more challenging. Taking care of yourself is important, but it can be hard to remember during stressful times.
Here are some tips to help you feel healthy during finals week:
- Prioritize getting enough sleep. Sleeping heals the body and mind. Be smart about making plans with friends on school nights. Before heading out, ask yourself, “Is this time I should be spending studying or resting my mind?” We recommend scheduling in “study time” every day so that you don’t lose sleep (e.g. study 7 pm-9 pm, quiet time/brain rest 9 pm-10 pm, lights out 10 pm).
- Move your body. Movement encourages the release of endorphins, which are essentially our “feel-good” hormones! Exercising or taking a good stretch break in between study sessions can be a quick fix.
- Spend time outdoors. Sleeping isn’t the only way you can energize your body. Sometimes all you need is a little fresh air or sunlight. Although the weather this time of year may discourage you to be outside, even a ten minute walk can make a difference!
- Ask for help when you need it. Whether you’re struggling with academics or the pressure of finals, there is always help. Schools are aware of the extra stress that floats around the halls during finals week and counselors exist for this purpose. Consider reaching out to your school counselor. You have more support around you than you might think.
For more information on self-care strategies check out our SEL resources created by the counseling department.
Course Registration for 2023-2024
Dec. 4th: Students watched a course registration presentation in homeroom and began working on their individual academic planner in Schoology.
Students will schedule individual appointments with counselors via Calendly to review teacher placement recommendations, graduation requirements, and make course selections for 2024-2025. These appointments must be made during a free period (lunch, study hall, etc.).
JUNIORS:
Presentation: January 22 during period 2
Registration Week: 1/22-1/26
SOPHOMORES:
Presentation: January 16 during extended HR
Registration Week: 1/16-1/18
FRESHMEN:
Presentation: January 12 during English classes
Registration Week: 1/29-2/2
Parents will be able to view course registrations on Infinite Campus on February 5th. The deadline for registration is February 14th.
The deadline for all override, level changes, and course placement forms is also February 14th.
Summer School 2024
The 2024 Summer School Brochure will be available on January 1st. You will be able to access the brochure here. A variety of courses will be offered including academic year courses, recovery courses, enrichment courses, and enrichment workshops. Online registration is first come, first serve.
Summer School First Term: June 10th- June 27th
Summer School Second Term: July 1st- July 18th
IMPORTANT DATES
December 21- January 8: Winter Break
January 9: Semester 2 begins
January 15: MLK Day (no school)
January 16-February 2: Registration meetings (see specific dates below)
January 19: Last day to add a class for S2
February 16: Student non-attendance day
February 19: President's Day (no school)
March 1: Pass/Fail deadline
March 4: Casimir Pulaski Day (no school)
March 22: Third Quarter ends
March 25-April 2: Spring Break
Postsecondary Counselor Appointments
Individual appointments for junior students and families with Postsecondary Counselors begin in January and will continue throughout the spring. The Postsecondary Counselor calendars will open for appointments beginning January 10, 2024, with appointments themselves beginning on January 18, 2024.
Before making an appointment check your account in MaiaLearning, where you will see the name of your assigned postsecondary counselor when you click on the Connections section of your Student Dashboard. *See slides 18 & 19 from our 11/8 Kick-Off program for a visual. Once you know who your designated Postsecondary Counselor is, visit our webpage to make your appointment by clicking on the name of your counselor under Contacts. Initial appointments are scheduled through Calendly and are 55 minutes in length and must be scheduled during a free period. It is highly recommended that students complete the self-assessment form which is shared through a link in the appointment sign up, or found on our website before your initial appointment. Doing this, will make your first meeting much more informative and productive.
Looking Ahead ~ Upcoming HPHS Postsecondary Counseling Programs
January 29, 2024 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Understanding College Options
A discussion of the various types of college options available from the perspective of admissions representatives at different institutions. Large public, small liberal arts, 2-year colleges, and International Options will be covered.
February, 23, 2022 6:30PM
Financial Planning for College
An overview of the different ways families meet the rising cost of college education will be discussed. Strategies covered will include need based financial aid, merit-based scholarships, reciprocity, and shortening the amount of time in college. Presenters will review the different ways that families take on the challenge of paying for college.
April 10&17, 2024 6:30PM
Exploring the Admission Process
Highly Selective Admissions - 4/10/24
College Admission Case Study - 4/17/24
Parent Program: Rumbo a la Universidad
February 7, 21, 28, and March 6, 2024 6:30pm HPHS Cafeteria - in person
This is a series of 4 workshops for Spanish speaking parents to learn more about the postsecondary process and resources available.