As we prepare to head back to school, we recognize that this time of year carries with it a lot of excitement for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and everyone involved in the educational system. Naturally, it can also cause some nervous feelings or anxiety. Remember that your school counselors can be a great resource for your child and your family as you make that transition into the school year, whether this is your first year, last year, or somewhere in between.
We talked with Farmville Central High School counselor Chrissy Goodman to learn some tips specifically for high school students heading into the year. Of course, if you’d like to learn more about helping your child in their specific grade level, your school counselors would love to hear from you.
PPS-PC: As students and parents prepare to head back to school, there is a lot of excitement, but also some nervous energy and anxiety about the return. What is one piece of advice you would offer to all families as they prepare for a successful school year, academically, socially, and emotionally?
Ms. Goodman: The best advice I have is to be consistent and actively engage with the teachers/staff on campus. If students actively show up to class it is easier for teachers/staff to have a better idea of how they can assist the students/parents with each obstacle.
PPS-PC: High school seems to have different needs than the previous grades. What is something a student in each high school grade might think about doing or preparing for at this time in their high school career?
Ms. Goodman:
9th Grade: Similar to the answer above, make sure you are engaged, getting to know teachers/staff, showing up when you are supposed to. This is a big transition year, and the time is now to begin building important relationships with teachers/staff. Also, make a habit this year of doing well academically by making academics your main focus.
10th Grade: Start expanding your interests and stepping out of your comfort zone by taking classes you’re not sure about. Try a class, club, or extracurricular activity you may have never considered before. How do you know you like strawberry ice cream if you’ve never tried it?
11th Grade: This is the year to intensely focus on your academics because your junior year transcript may determine your future.
12th Grade: There are tons of NEW things thrown at seniors. Try to be mindful about every moment and truly consider what your future will look like. If you have not checked in with your school counselor recently, be sure to set up a meeting at the beginning of the year to make sure you are both on the same page about planning for your future.
PPS-PC: What would you say are some of the roles a high school counselor plays, and how do these benefit students and families?
Ms. Goodman: School counselors are definitely a jack of all trades. We have resources for social issues, emotional concerns, and academic success.
PPS-PC: If parents and students have not yet connected with their high school counselor, how would they go about doing so?
Ms. Goodman: Most schools have a student services department with an open door policy and we do our best to help each student/parent as they come. Email is typically the best route of communication for our department and we share a lot of information via email or the school Facebook page.
