November Issue

A Note from the Counseling Office

As we approach the midpoint of the semester, our Counseling Team continues to engage students in meaningful reflection, planning, and discovery. November marks the beginning of course selection conversations, the early stages of university planning for our juniors, and continued efforts to help all students make informed and intentional choices.

This month’s issue highlights the launch of our course selection season, growing university exploration resources, upcoming events—including a special career panel—and key admissions reminders as we head toward the winter break.

Course Selection Conversations Begin

We are entering one of the most important seasons of the year, everyone's favorite: course selection. Students are beginning to consider next year’s courses and the academic pathways that will shape their high school experience.

• Our AP/IB Curricular Pathway Evening Event (Dec 3 @ 4:30p HS Theatre)will provide families with an overview of ASD’s advanced curricular offerings and help clarify differences between the programs.

• In the Grade 9 Counselor Course, students continue developing four-year academic plans in Maia Learning, using the Program of Study to map their long-term goals.

• Beginning in January, counselors will hold individual academic planning meetings with students and families to align interests, requirements, and future pathways.
  
  

University Planning in Motion

University exploration is ramping up, particularly for our Grade 11 students. Please save the date January 19 for our upcoming Grade 11 University & College Night, where we will introduce the university search process, timelines, and tools for effective planning.

We have added a new “Additional Resources” button to the Counseling webpage, which now houses an expanding list of Summer Program offerings. These opportunities, both virtual and on-campus, allow students to explore an academic interest, experience university life, build skills, and, in some cases, earn credit. We encourage families to review these options together.

Please also save the date for our next Counselor Coffee later this semester, where we will continue discussing timely topics in academic planning, well-being, and university readiness.

Upcoming Career Panel: Fireside Chat (Dec 2)

We are excited to introduce a new advisory program: a fireside chat–style career panel on December 2. Three professionals representing different career paths will join us to discuss:

• Choosing a university major or program

• Professional skills development

• Workplace behaviors, habits, and dispositions

• Lessons learned from their early career experiences

This conversation is designed to give students practical insight into life beyond high school—and to help them connect the dots between academic choices and long-term career paths.

University Admissions Updates

Our seniors continue to navigate the university application season with diligence and maturity. As we enter a critical window, we ask families to take note of several key reminders:

• Some university deadlines fall during ASD’s winter break closure.
  Students must submit all transcript requests before departing for the holiday, as counselors will process them prior to leaving campus and will not be available until school resumes.
  
  

• UCAS / UK Universities:
  The UCAS deadline is January 14. Students intending to apply to UK institutions are strongly advised to meet with their counselor before winter break to finalize their plans and ensure all documents are ready.
  
  

• Counselors require transcript requests 10 school days before deadlines to ensure timely delivery of materials.
  
  

We applaud our seniors for their hard work so far, and we look forward to supporting them through the next phase of admissions.