Continuum of Support

The Ridge High School Department of School Counseling offers comprehensive services aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), providing social-emotional, academic, and post-secondary planning supports.  Open communication with your counselor, and seeking to develop that relationship, is a vital component of the high school experience. Below is a summary of programmatic support for each grade level. 

Freshman Year

• Freshman Orientation presentation to Freshman Class: Learning the Role of the School Counselor & SAC

• Individual student-counselor meetings during November/December of freshman year to check in on the adjustment to high school

• Individual student-counselor meetings are scheduled with each freshman for course selection and academic planning during February/March spring of freshman year

• Individual student check ins as needed by appointment or drop-in

• Review our Freshman Year page with recommendations
  
  

Sophomore Year

• In-School Presentation to Sophomore Class from School Counselors each January to begin exploring Careers

  1. • • 1. • 1. 1. • Includes: Naviance training, career exploration/interest inventories, standardized testing (ACT, SAT, PSAT)

• Individual student-counselor meetings are scheduled with each sophomore for course selection and academic planning during February/March of sophomore year

• Individual student check ins as needed by appointment or drop-in

• Evening presentation for Sophomore parents in January

• Review our Sophomore Year page with recommendations
  
  

Junior Year

• In-School Presentation to Junior Class from School Counselors during November to review college/career planning tasks for junior year, including 

  1. • • 1. • 1. 1. • Includes review of the college research documents to guide your search within Naviance, college terminology, finding your fit, college visits, creating the college list

• Individual student-counselor meetings are scheduled with each junior and their counselor during March/April for the "Junior Conference", for both college/career planning and academic course selection for senior year

• Evening Presentation for Junior Class Parents during November (visit the Events & Presentations page for archives)

• After the individual conference, juniors and families are introduced to both Part A and Part B of the "Class of" Senior Packet (as they are now rising Seniors!)

  1. • • 1. • 1. Part A is due in June of junior year and includes: 

                 1. • Directions

                    • Self-Description Survey

                    • Preliminary College List

                    • Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet

              2. Part B is due in September of senior year and includes:

                 1. • Final College List

                    • Final Student Activity Resume 

                    • List of Teachers Providing Letters of Recommendation

                    • Transcript Release/Counselor Waiver Form

       • Individual student check ins as needed by appointment or drop-in

       • Review our Junior Year page with recommendations
         
         

Senior Year

• In-School Presentation to Senior Class from School Counselors during September to review college/career planning tasks for senior year, including:

  1. • 1. • Reviewing the 10-step application checklist, completing all components of the application, essays, interviews, financial aid

          • Completing the "Senior Packet" Parts A & B

            • Part A is due in June of junior year and includes: 

              1. 1. 1. Directions

                    2. Self-Description Survey

                    3. Preliminary College List

                    4. Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet

            • Part B is due in September of senior year and includes:

              1. 1. 1. Final College List

                    2. Final Student Activity Resume 

                    3. List of Teachers Providing Letters of Recommendation

                    4. Transcript Release/Counselor Waiver Form

• Individual student-counselor meetings are scheduled with each senior and their counselor during September/October for the "Senior Meeting", for both college/career planning and finalizing pathway decisions (college, career, vocational, trade, military, gap year)

• Evening Presentation for Senior Class Parents during September

• Individual student check ins as needed by appointment or drop-in

• Each senior will meet with their counselor in May to finalize their post-secondary pathway and attending college if applicable.

• Review our Senior Year Page with recommendations

Communications & Events

Communication

• Students should join their counselor's Google Classroom 

• Email your counselor directly for an appointment 

• Monthly Newsletters 

  • • Emailed to students & parents each month. Contact your counselor for a copy of the most recent edition

Evening Events 

Click here for our Events Flyer and archived recordings on our Events Page

• • • Senior Parent Night

    • Annual College Fair

    • Financial Aid Night

    • Junior Parent Night

    • Sophomore Parent Night

    • Transitioning to College with an IEP/504 Night 

Additional Roles

Professional school counselors also support students beyond the specific post-secondary planning program that is outlined above.  School counselors play important roles supporting students in the following ways: academic counseling for struggling students, coordination and collaboration with teachers for student support plans, RTI/504 Case Managers, liaison between school and community resources, social/emotional and wellness counseling with students, crisis counseling, and work in close consultation with Student Assistance Counselors (SACs).  School counselors serve on various school-specific committees (school culture/climate, character education), and are often advisors of various clubs/organizations.  Contact your counselor today with any questions.