Winter 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,  Parenting is hard, and pandemic parenting has brought forth a whole new set of challenges. Over the last year, everything from our economy to in person learning/working to daily life has been upended. In the upcoming weeks many families will face a hardship, yet again, as they are not able to gather together for the holidays. With so much loss this last year it may be difficult to imagine keeping this celebratory. We are faced with the stark reality that things will undoubtedly be different than we are accustomed. However, bear in mind that while we we may not be doing things the exact same way as we have in the past, we can certainly still find opportunities for connection and closeness. Focus on what matters, keep things simple, take in the spirit of the season, and forge new traditions to cherish together. Looking for some inspiration on how to close out 2020 on a high note? Check out some of the resources below in the Information Parents Can Use section. Wishing you a warm, restorative holiday season, Rachel Behren Director of Student Services

2021-2022 COURSE SELECTION Registration for the 2021-2022 school year will begin shortly after we return from Christmas Break. The Student Services Department will be meeting with students to discuss their academic plans and provide advisement as they select their courses for the upcoming academic year. Students will be advised to share their course selection materials with you, as your role in this process is very important. We encourage you to be actively involved by having conversations with your student and reviewing their choices. Although counselors have conversations with students about their academic plans, your input is equally valuable in helping your student make the correct academic decisions as their choices can impact future course selections.

November 2020 Newsletter

COLLEGE COUNSELING CORNER While Trinity's virtual college visits are finished for the fall, there are many ways that students can continue to explore college options!  StriveScan has a library of over 300 recordings of college information sessions. This incredible resource is free! With the click of your mouse, students can hear from admissions officers from all around the nation, and across the globe. This amazing resource is a nice supplement to college websites.  Want to check out some virtual campus tours? Check out the college's admissions website. Schools are offering some fantastic options including tours that include pre-recorded, interactive and/or live-streamed experiences.  Another helpful site is CampusReel. Here, you can watch short videos and take informal campus and residence hall tours hosted by students on that campus.  Virtual college visits will return to Trinity in the spring. Please watch for more information in February and March.

UPCOMING ACT TEST AND TEST PREPARATION RESOURCES

For the safety of our students, Trinity will again administer the ACT exam during the school day on Tuesday, March 2nd. Trinity will pre-register all members of the junior class and the $46 exam fee will be billed in the spring. In preparation for the exam, Trinity offers free self-guided test prep through Naviance, as well as guided test prep courses through One-to-One Learning and Academic Approach. Click here for more information.  

A CONTINUED FOCUS ON SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING Introduced earlier this school year, one of our department's major focuses has been on social and emotional learning (SEL). Social and emotional learning is the process through which we acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to: Recognize and manage our emotions Set and achieve positive goals Demonstrate caring and concern for others Establish and maintain positive relationships Make responsible decisions Handle interpersonal situations effectively Our counseling lessons and parent education series are cohesive, meaning that each month we will continue to focus on one SEL topic that will serve as our theme through everything that we do. Our focus for the winter months include: Anger Management Healthy Relationships Self-Esteem As a parent/guardian, you are invited to join us in our Virtual Counselor Cafe where we will feature short presentations and provide resources on these topics for you. It is our goal to enhance our students' social and emotional learning, encourage responsible decision-making, foster positive growth and development, and promote respectful relationships as we encourage conversation around the opportunities and issues facing our students.

OUR VIRTUAL CALMING ROOM Have you checked out Trinity's Virtual Calming Room? It was designed to assist students in locating different strategies and tools for managing their emotions. It is our hope that the tools may provide helpful outlets and practices for our Blazers and their families.

INFORMATION PARENTS CAN USE Looking for the latest information in adolescent development, post-secondary trends and other hot topics? Here are some great articles and resources that you may find helpful in your household: 5 Minute Holiday De-Stress How to Set Expectations for Healthier Holiday Gatherings 23 Virtual Holiday Party Ideas For Families 32 Small, Nice Things to Do For Family You Can’t See This Holiday Season Calling All Parents: Put your own oxygen mask on first How teenagers can protect their mental health during COVID-19

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VISIT OUR OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES VIRTUALLY Simply open your camera's smartphone and hover on the QR Code above to access our virtual office. Our virtual office interactively links to some of our most used resources.

TRINITY'S STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Rachel Behren Director of Student Services [email protected] Keila Green School Counselor [email protected] Katie Granholm College Counselor [email protected]

Maura Clark School Counselor [email protected] Victoria Herling School Counselor [email protected] Molly Puttin Scheduler/Registrar [email protected]