February Issue

A Note from the Counseling Office

As we move deeper into the spring semester, our work with students continues to center on intentional growth, thoughtful exploration, and preparation for what lies ahead. This month’s newsletter highlights two important opportunities that reflect that philosophy: meaningful summer learning experiences and a community conversation around motivation and adolescent development. Both invite students and families to pause, reflect, and engage with learning beyond the classroom in purposeful ways.

University Sponsored Summer Programs

University-sponsored summer programs can be a valuable opportunity for students to explore academic interests in greater depth while gaining insight into what life as a university student might look like. These programs often provide exposure to university-level coursework, faculty-led instruction, and the rhythms of campus life—helping students better understand both the academic and personal demands of higher education.

It’s important to note that participation in a university-sponsored summer program does not guarantee admission to that institution. However, when chosen thoughtfully, these experiences can support deeper learning, clarify interests, and contribute meaningfully to a student’s overall development. A growing list of both online and in-person programs, including some that are university credit–bearing, can be found in the Additional Resources section of the Counseling webpage. We encourage families to review these options together and consider how summer learning might complement longer-term academic goals.

HS/MS Joint Parent Program: 10-25- The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager

We are also pleased to invite families to a joint Middle School and High School parent program centered on 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager. This event will bring our community together to explore research-backed insights into how young people develop motivation, resilience, and a sense of purpose during adolescence and early adulthood.

Yeager’s work challenges common assumptions about teenage behavior and emphasizes the power of pairing high expectations with empathy and respect, an approach that resonates deeply with our work as educators and parents. This shared conversation will provide practical takeaways for supporting students both academically and emotionally, and we look forward to engaging in this dialogue together.

When: March 10

Time: 8-9:20

Where: Middle School Presentation Room