Updates from the Guidance Department:

By: Monica Harvin and Trina Offing, 9th Grade Guidance Counselors During this transition period it is important for parents to know that the 9th Grade Counselors have been meeting with Freshmen for Classroom Guidance lessons during their JROTC or Physical Education classes.  High School presents students with a variety of new opportunities and challenges.  Students may have discovered that the coursework is more difficult and that they are expected to be more independent, focused and more responsible.  It is important that you continue to be involved in your children's lives and that they are doing well in school and making good choices and decisions.  This information was expressed to them during the classroom guidance lessons included 10 Steps for Success at Dutch Fork High School.  Step One- Understand Your Academic Record, Step Two- Know Your School, Step Three- Be In School Everyday, Step Four- Know How to Get Good Grades, Step Five- Set Goals, Step Six- Get Involved, Step Seven- Make Good Choices and Decisions, Step Eight- Know How to Handle Stress, Step Nine- Use Available Services, and Step Ten- Plan and Prepare for Your Future. Additional topics are included for college bound students and athletes including NCAA requirements.    Please be sure to ask your student about the information that was covered in our lesson.  As you already know high school students are old enough to make many of their own decisions, but still need their parents to provide guidance and set limits.  Talk with your child about what's happening in school and be a good listener.  Work together with the school.  If you have a question or concern about a class, make a phone call or send an e-mail to the teacher.   For other concerns, contact your child's counselor or principal.  A school counselor is not only an excellent resource for students, a counselor is also an excellent resource for parents.  Please contact the guidance department with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your child's academic progress.  We look forward to seeing each of you for your Individual Graduation Plan Meetings with your student.  You will receive an appointment date and time in the mail from your students guidance counselor.