Counseling’s impact stems from a strategic mix of best practices and highly trained educators who are forward-thinking and accessible to students. An SFHS student’s relationship with these inspirational problem solvers greatly impacts college readiness. In fact, academic success is incomplete without the comprehensive counseling opportunities exemplified at SFHS.
“The Counseling Department philosophy aligns with the mission of St. Francis High School as well as standards set by the American School Counselor Association,” explains Director of Counseling Bridget Buckley. “We provide students with the skills to set and achieve goals in every area of their lives, including academics, college, careers, and relationships. We also work with students, parents, and faculty to support students in their spiritual, academic, physical, and social development.”
St. Francis High School has four dedicated counselors that support students in a wide range of areas including SFHS curriculum, health and wellness, and the college application process.
● Academic Counseling
Counselors partner with students in reaching academic success by helping them set goals, create action plans, and select courses that appropriately challenge each student. The counselors provide this support both one-on-one and through group presentations.
● Wellness Counseling
Counselors are dedicated to supporting the needs of the whole student. Services include individual and group counseling services to students, support groups, crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and clinical consultation for families regarding outside treatment options. Counselors work closely with students, parents, teachers, and school administration to develop and implement school-wide health awareness events and educational opportunities.
- Support Groups: Girls’ Empowerment, Grief, Transfer Students, General Support
● College Counseling
Counselors are deeply familiar with the college admission process, and they understand how to help students identify the criteria they want in a college and how to present themselves confidently and fully in an application. At SFHS, this process is individualized, deliberate, and comprehensive.
Student Nora Los ‘22: “They make time for you so you can get help with anything you need. Sometimes I get stressed about college, and they help calm me down and make things easier to process.”
Student Thomas Riepe ‘21: “Especially the beginning of this year, my counselor has helped with the college application process as well as figuring out my major. He sat down with me and went over what I am interested in and what majors would fall in line with those interests.”
Student Anna Schmitt ’22: “I have been looking at colleges for the last year and my counselor really has helped with what schools would be a good fit for the career path I am striving for.”
Student Evan Senall ’21: “My counselors have helped me prepare for college. Whenever I have questions, they are available right away. For example, I emailed my counselor at 10:30 p.m. and he got back to me in two minutes. The counselors are always there for you, and I always feel comfortable going to them.”
Step-By-Step Counseling Roadmap: A Distinct Advantage
Sequenced events correspond with needs during each phase of high school.
Grade 9: Lay Foundation for Success
● Naviance introduction: students are trained how to use Naviance College and Career Readiness program
- Lesson: Strengths Explorer
● One-on-One with Counselor: Students meet with their counselor multiple times per year to discuss interests and academic strengths and plan coursework accordingly
● Counselor Classroom Presentations
● Workshop: Final Exam Test Prep
● Freshman Support Group
● Freshman Parent Coffee with the Counselors: Making a Successful Transition to High School
Grade 10: Identify Goals & Resources
● Naviance focus: Research colleges and careers, complete inventories that merge abilities with interests and aptitudes
● Create a resume
● One-on-One with Counselor
● Counselor Classroom Presentations
● Pre-ACT
● ACT practice exams
● Sophomore Parent Coffee with the Counselors: Maintaining a Strong Profile
Grade 11: Define Your Future
● Naviance focus: Support and guidance to find the right college and career match
● One-on-One with Counselor
● Counselor Classroom Presentations
● PSAT
● ACT practice exams
● ACT Prep Classes on campus
● Junior Parent Coffee with the Counselors: College Search
Grade 12: Make It Happen
● Naviance focus: Continued support and guidance to find the right college and career match, immediate electronic submission of college application items
- Lesson: College Application
● One-on-One with Counselor
● Counselor Classroom Presentations
● ACT practice exams
● ACT Prep Classes on campus
● Senior Parent Coffee with the Counselors: College Admission & Scholarships