2026-2027 El Modena Counseling Newsletter Quarter 1 Update

El Modena Counseling Newsletter

Quarter 2

Vanguards, We're Off!

El Modena Counseling Newsletter | Quarter 2

Quarter 2 is here! As we move into the second part of first semester, the Counseling Department continues to be here to support our students and families with academics, college and career planning, and social/emotional well-being.

This quarter, we’ll continue sharing important reminders, upcoming events, deadlines, resources, and opportunities to help students stay informed and on track. Whether you’re working toward graduation, beginning to explore life after high school, preparing for college applications, or simply trying to make the most of your school year, we’re here to help.

Visit the El Modena Counseling Website

Our Counseling website continues to be a great resource for students and families, with grade-level information, academic planning resources, college and career information, counseling resources, important forms, upcoming events, and more. Be sure to check back throughout the year for updates.

Stay Connected!

Follow us on Instagram @elmo.counseling for current updates, upcoming events, resources, reminders, and important counseling information throughout the school year.

As Quarter 2 gets underway, this is a great time to check in, reset, and make a plan for what’s ahead. With a busy quarter ahead, remember to make time for yourself, find balance, and take care of your well-being along the way. You’ve already made it through the first quarter—keep moving forward, ask for help when you need it, and remember that your teachers, counselors, and staff are here to support you.

Let’s make Quarter 2 count, Vanguards!

El Modena High School Counselor Alpha Caseload Breakdown

Important Dates

October

10/8 & 10/9 – Junior Classroom Presentations through English classes
10/21 & 10/22 – Sophomore Classroom Presentations through English classes
10/22 & 10/23 – FAFSA/CADAA Application Workshop for Seniors through Gov & Econ classes
10/24 – SCC FAFSA/CADAA Parent & Student Application Workshop – Library & Room 615, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
10/28 & 10/29 – Freshman Classroom Presentations through English classes
10/28 – Freshmen Parent Information Night – Library, 6:00 PM

November

11/16 – SCC College Application Workshop for Seniors – Library, through English classes

December

12/1 & 12/2 – SOS Sophomores through Chemistry & Conceptual Physics classes
12/17 & 12/18 - First semester finals
12/19 - 01/10 - Winter Break

Important Information for All Grade Levels:

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Quarter 2 is a great time for students and families to check in on academic progress, strengthen study habits, and start preparing early for finals. A little preparation now can make a big difference when finals week arrives.

Students and families can:

Check grades regularly through Aeries. Know where things stand and address concerns early.
Connect with teachers. Encourage students to ask questions, attend office hours, and seek help when needed.
Use Brainfuse. All OUSD students have access to free online tutoring in a variety of subjects through their OUSD Student Dashboard.
Take advantage of Math Tutoring. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. in Room 223.
Start studying early. Breaking larger topics into smaller sections can make preparing for finals more manageable.
Create a study schedule. Set aside specific times to review each subject and build in short breaks.
Practice, don’t just reread. Students can quiz themselves, work through practice problems, review flashcards, or explain the material out loud.
Take care of yourself. Getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and staying organized can help students stay focused and manage stress.

For additional finals study strategies, check out How to Study for Finals from The Princeton Review.

Remember: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness!

FINISH THE SEMESTER OFF STRONG, VANGUARDS!

The second semester is a great time to reset, refocus, and work toward something that matters. Students and families can use this time to reflect on what is going well, identify an area for growth, and set a goal for the months ahead.

Rather than setting a big goal that feels overwhelming, choose one specific goal that can be worked on consistently throughout the semester.

Try setting a SMART Goal:

S – Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
M – Measurable: How will you know you are making progress?
A – Achievable: Is this something that can realistically be accomplished?
R – Relevant: Why is this goal important?
T – Time-Bound: When do you want to reach your goal?

For example, instead of saying, “I want to do better in school,” a student might set a goal such as:

“I will raise my English grade from a C to a B by the end of the semester by completing all assignments and attending tutoring once a week.”

Goals can focus on academics, attendance, organization, extracurricular activities, personal growth, or other areas that are meaningful to each student. Families can help by talking through goals, encouraging progress, and checking in along the way.

A goal doesn’t have to be perfect or huge. Sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from taking small steps consistently. Choose an area for growth, make a plan, and take it one step at a time.

Start where you are. Set a goal. Take the next step. Finish strong!

A-G College Admission Requirements

If students are considering applying to a four-year university in California (CSU or UC) upon high school graduation, the completion of the A-G requirements are mandatory. The A-G Requirements are a number of courses approved by the UC designed to prepare high school students for college-level curriculum.

While looking over the A-G requirements, keep in mind the following:

All A-G coursework must be completed with a grade of "C" or better in order for the requirement to be satisfied

College Bound

🎓 College Bound

College Bound is a FREE, year-round college and career readiness program offered in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange County. The program provides students with personalized 1-on-1 academic advising, college application assistance, financial aid support, career exploration, monthly workshops and webinars, community service opportunities, and scholarship support.

Students interested in getting connected can visit Alondra Beltran in Room 610 (Career Center). Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Stop by the College & Career Center to learn more and get started!

SENIOR SCENE

Senior year is a busy and exciting time as students and families begin making plans for life after high school. Whether a student is considering a four-year university, community college, trade or career program, the workforce, military service, a gap year, or another path, there are many options to explore.

To help students and families navigate senior year, we’re excited to provide a quarterly Senior Newsletter featuring important dates, helpful resources, reminders, and opportunities related to post-secondary planning.

Click here to view the Senior Newsletter!

JUNIOR JUNCTION

Junior Year: Planning for What’s Next

Junior year is an important time to move from exploring options to beginning more intentional planning for life after high school. Students and families can use this time to research different pathways, attend college and career events, and begin thinking about goals after graduation.

October 7 – Be Prepared for Post-Secondary Success Night
This evening presentation for 10th- and 11th-grade families will provide information and resources to help students and families prepare for life after high school.

October 8 & 9 – Junior College & Career Exploration Lessons
Counselors will visit classrooms to guide students through college and career exploration and help them begin thinking about their goals after graduation.

College Representative Visits
College representative visits give juniors an opportunity to learn directly from admissions representatives and explore schools they may not have previously considered. Students can sign up for visits with Ms. Clark in the College & Career Center.

Quarter 2 is a great time to explore, ask questions, and begin building a plan for what comes next.

Explore CCGI

College & Career Guidance Initiative (CCGI) is an online college and career planning platform available through the OUSD Student Dashboard. CCGI gives students the opportunity to explore careers, research colleges and programs, learn about different post-secondary pathways, and begin creating a plan for life after high school.

Juniors are encouraged to log in and start exploring CCGI this quarter. Students do not need to have their future figured out — exploring different options can help them discover interests, ask questions, and begin thinking about what they may want to pursue after graduation.

Families are also encouraged to explore CCGI with their students and use it as a starting point for conversations about future goals and possibilities.

SOPHOMORE STOP

Sophomore Year: Keep Building

Quarter 2 is a great time for students and families to check in on progress, set goals, and continue building a strong foundation for the future.

Check in on grades and address concerns early.
Set a goal for growth this quarter.
Explore interests and future pathways.
Stay connected with teachers and counselors.
Find balance between school, activities, and personal time.

Keep growing, exploring, and moving forward!

Important Dates for Sophomores:

October 21 & 22

Sophomore Academic & Post-Secondary Planning

Counselors will be presenting to sophomore English classes to help students better understand their academic progress and begin planning for life after high school. The presentation will cover graduation requirements, course planning, academic goals, and an introduction to college, career, and other post-secondary pathways.

Students will also learn about resources available to help them make informed decisions and stay on track throughout high school.

SOS: Signs of Suicide

December 1 & 2

On December 1 and 2, counselors will be presenting the SOS (Signs of Suicide) curriculum to sophomores through their science classes. This lesson builds on the presentation and conversations students were introduced to in 8th grade, expanding on important concepts related to recognizing when someone may be struggling and connecting themselves or a peer with a trusted adult and appropriate support.

The goal of this lesson is to help students know how to recognize when help may be needed and where to turn for support.

If you have questions about the presentation or would like to opt your student out, please reach out to your student’s counselor.

Simon Scholars

Simon Scholars: From Adversity to Accomplishment

Sophomore Applications Open November 11, 2026

Simon Scholars provides students with the support and resources they need to succeed from junior year through their professional career. The program includes 1:1 advising and coaching, college preparation, career exploration, leadership experiences, and a lifelong community.

Important Dates:

November 10: Eligible students will be invited to an on-campus information session. Sessions will be held at 9:35 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
November 11: Applications open
December 18: Early application deadline
January 25: Regular decision deadline

Want to learn more? Check out the Simon Scholars recruitment video to hear more about the program and opportunities available to students.

Watch the Simon Scholars Recruitment Video

FRESHMEN FORUM

Freshmen | Keep Finding Your Way, Vanguards!

Freshman year is officially underway! Now that you’ve had time to settle into high school, Quarter 2 is a great opportunity to check in, reset, and keep building the habits that will help you throughout your high school years.

This quarter, freshmen are encouraged to:

Stay on top of assignments and grades
Ask for help when you need it
Get involved and find your place on campus
Build strong study and time-management habits
Connect with your teachers, counselors, and classmates

October 28

Freshmen Parent Information Night

Our Freshmen Parent Information Night will provide families with helpful information, resources, and support as students continue their transition into high school. We’ll share ways families can support academic success, stay connected, and help their students make the most of their freshman year.

October 28 & 29

Freshman Grade-Level Lessons

Counselors will meet with freshmen to discuss important topics as they begin their high school journey, including:

Resources and support available at ELMO
Academic success and study strategies
Getting involved and finding your place on campus
Understanding expectations in high school
Planning ahead for the years to come

Freshmen, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember that your counselors are here to support you along the way!

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING ❤️

The holiday season and the end of the semester can bring a mix of excitement, stress, and emotions. Between school, finals, family gatherings, changing routines, and the expectations that can come with the holidays, it’s important to make time for yourself and check in with how you’re doing.

Encourage your student to take breaks, get enough rest, stay connected with supportive people, and make time for activities that help them recharge. It’s also okay to set boundaries, take things one day at a time, and ask for help when things feel overwhelming. The holidays can look and feel different for everyone, and there is no “right” way to experience the season.

If you have concerns about your student’s well-being, adjustment to school, or need for additional support, please reach out to your student’s counselor. We can help connect students and families with appropriate school and community resources.

As we head into the second quarter, remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out. High school is a journey, and everyone’s path looks a little different. Focus on your own goals, take things one step at a time, and give yourself some grace along the way.

With finals, the holidays, and a busy season ahead, make time to take care of yourself, stay connected, and reach out when you need support. Whether you need help with academics, your well-being, or planning for life after high school, your El Modena Counseling Team is here for you.

Keep going, Vanguards. You’ve got this!

Your El Modena Counseling Team
We’re here to support you — academically, personally, and as you plan for your future.

Go Vanguards!

Follow us on Instagram!

@elmo.counseling

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