Friday, October 5, 2012

New guidance program prepares students for life after Churchill



To better prepare students for success after high-school, Churchill has created a new comprehensive four-year program where high school guidance counselors Deborah McEntee works with 9th and 10th graders and Erin Hugger counsels 11th and 12th graders. In addition, head art teacher and Churchill veteran Dennis McKonkey trains 9th and 10th graders in self-awareness and self-advocacy. 

 “We're very excited about this new program” Deb said in a recent interview with her and Erin at the new 6th floor guidance office.

Churchill high school counselors Deborah McEntee and Erin Hugger at the guidance office.
Deb has a background in special education and counseling and Erin used to work as college guidance counselor at Chapin School on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside. Both Erin and Deb have Master’s degrees in school counseling and are New York State certified school counselors. Last year Deb worked as assistant high-school guidance counselor at Churchill.  

Student centered process
The new guidance program is student centered and starts in 9th grade where students analyze their strengths, weaknesses and interests, learn time management and are exposed to various career options. In 10th grade, students are slowly introduced to start thinking about post high-school.  10th graders will begin to make the connection between their own work ethics and how that translates into their career choices and life after Churchill. Students are introduced to Naviance, a computer-based system with a multitude of resources and data on where previous Churchill students have applied to college, been accepted and attended college, their test scores and grades.

In junior year transition preparations become more focused. Building on the foundation laid during the first two years, Erin works with students to plan a path that leads to their desired future endeavors. Most Churchill students attend four-year colleges and tend to do well. Churchill alumni have a retention rate above 90% from college freshmen to sophomore year.

In the beginning of the second semester of 11th grade, Erin meets with students and their families to discuss college, gap year programs/vocational school options. Student interests and needs, high school grade point average through the first semester of 11th grade and PSAT scores factor in to this discussion. Spring of junior year/summer after junior year is the time to start working on a resume, visiting colleges and begin drafting the college essay. Students who have an essay draft at the start of 12th grade are in good shape, Erin says. She calls the transition process “a family affair” and recognizes the vital part parents and other support persons play and the importance of communication between them and the student.

The fall of senior year can be intense. Families and students have follow-up meetings with Erin, finalizing their college lists, gap year/vocational school plans. In school, students attend weekly transitioning classes and college/career planning and preparation learning how to handle college admissions interviews, writing personal essays and working on other writing assignments required for admission packages.
"Start early and stay calm," Erin advises. 

Test prep and college reps at Churchill
Erin and Deb are currently in the process of meeting with test prep companies that have experience working with LD students to explore the possibility of offering a SAT/ACT prep class at Churchill. At Churchill, students are offered to take ACT/SAT at school twice a year (spring and fall).

Another new part of the process is the visits to Churchill by college representatives selected based on their colleges’ LD support and suitability. This fall some 20 college reps are visiting Churchill. In addition, both guidance counselors tour colleges and evaluate alternative post high school programs. Over the past summer Erin visited Northeastern University, Curry College and Clark University, three schools where Churchill alumni have enrolled.



Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Workshop: Is My Child Ready for College?

Identifying Support for College Bound Students with Learning Differences 
Workshop at the MAIAA Parent Resource Center
October 11, 2012  btw. 6:30-8:00 pm 
Guest speaker - Sherri Maxman, College Advisor
Sherri Maxman will discuss the process of college placement for students with Learning Differences. What are some specific things to think consider for your child when determining a good fit? 

Group size is limited to 12 people. 

Location: 
417 E. 90th Street, 6H 
New York, NY 10128 
Fee: 
$35.00 (non-refundable due to small group size)

Refreshments and light snacks will be served. Please contact Colleen Mariani at colleen@maiaanyc.com or 917-747-2146 to reserve your spot.

MAIAA- A Parent Resource Center
(212) 426-3742
www.maiaanyc.com