Issue 2

Issue 2

Counseling Team Update: Supporting Our Community

We’d like to start this newsletter by reminding you that our Counseling Team operates under a Comprehensive Model encompassing social, emotional, academic, and university guidance and support. We are aware and understand that global events can impact us all. Our team is always here to support you and your child, ready to listen and provide a space for discussion and reflection.

Class of 2025: Stepping Up to the Challenge

We’re incredibly proud of the Class of 2025 for their dedication and hard work throughout the first half of the semester. Over half of the class has completed and submitted at least one university application! The main destinations for early applications include the United States, Qatar, Canada, and the United Kingdom. We’re excited to see the results of their efforts in the coming months and wish them the best as they approach the final university deadlines in January and February. A special note for families interested in Australian universities: their application window opens later in the year.

In Case You Missed It: Technology Talk Recap

Our Counseling Team hosted an informative and engaging session after the fall break, focusing on the technology used in the High School. This event was primarily aimed at Grade 9 parents and those new to our community, but, as always, everyone was welcome. If you could not attend, you can watch the recording here.

Professional Reading of the Month: Supporting Your Teen

Looking for a thought-provoking and practical read? Check out Helping Your Anxious Teen: Positive Parenting Strategies to Help Your Teen Beat Anxiety, Stress, and Worry by Dr. Sheila Achar Josephs. Dr. Josephs, a clinical psychologist, offers actionable strategies for fostering a supportive environment, helping teens manage stress, build resilience, and develop confidence. This book emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach between parents and teens as they navigate adolescence’s unique challenges.

Pre-College Programs: 

The Counseling Team has been updating Schoology with Winter and Summer Pre-College Programs sponsored by various universities. These programs are an excellent opportunity for students to delve deeper into the subject they want to study as confirmation. These programs also seek to give students glimpses into college life, collegiate-style lectures, and networking opportunities. However, attending a university pre-college program does not provide students preference in admission to that university but can help them write a more impactful "Why X University" essay or personal statement. For ideas of perspective programs, you can speak with your counselor or search online. One website which has a comprehensive list of summer programs is here.  

Student Spotlight

We’re excited to highlight the remarkable achievements of some of our students: 

Nuha Ahmad:  Nuha published her first academic paper in a scholarly journal. The title is Fatty Acid Synthase: A key driver of Ovarian Cancer Metastasis and a Promising Therapeutic Target. Here’s the full citation for your googling purposes. Ahmad, N., Moton, S., Kuttikrishnan, S., Prabhu, K., Masoodi, T., Ahmad, S. A., & Uddin, S. (2024). Fatty acid synthase: A key driver of ovarian cancer metastasis and a promising therapeutic target. Pathology-Research and Practice, 260.

Lucas Alexis: Lucas has recently been notified as a National Merit Semifinalist for his performance on the 2023 PSAT, scoring in the 99th percentile of all test-takers.

Aidan Morais Vera:  Aidan identified Franciscan University in Ohio, U.S.A., early on in the college search process for its religious-focused campus, small class size, division III athletics, and unique majors that appealed to him. He applied in early August and received a quick acceptance. Aidan and his parents visited the university during the October break to see the campus before officially committing. 

Ishwari More: Ishwari has been selected among the top 31 of nearly 800,000 entries across India for young innovators facilitated by the Inspire Manak Award at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Ishwari’s “Fall Detection in Toilet using Thermal Imaging Camera” project was chosen as one of the top 31 creative concepts. This concept seeks to help the elderly if they become incapacitated in the restroom. 

Neval Sencar: Remains an active member of our school community. She's been keeping busy as STUCO's Director of Strategic Vision and Event Planning (DSVEP), helping plan our STUCO events and playing a pivotal role in drafting and asking questions during our high school Principal interviews. She is also an active Dragon Ambassador, helping with anything from greeting, hosting, and touring new and prospective students and families.

Upcoming Programming: Join Our November Counselor Coffee! 

Mark your calendars! We’re thrilled to invite you to our first K-12 Counselor Coffee on November 24 from 8:15 to 9:30 in the Elementary Cafeteria. This event will focus on Emotional Regulation Across Developmental Stages and provide strategies for identifying feelings, self-regulation techniques, and ways to implement these concepts at home. Please RSVP here. We hope to see you there!

New Dragon Alert: 

When you get a moment, please wish Ms. Mariziel Colmo, our Office Coordinator, congrats on the safe delivery of her new baby boy!