Letter From Guidance
August 2008
Dear MSJ Families:
With summer festivities quickly coming to an end and the beginning of the school year just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to review a few housekeeping issues.
It is my plan to meet with all students at least once a quarter in order to have the opportunity to get to know each student and to touch base with them regarding how their year is progressing. Each student will receive a date and time to meet with me during study hall periods when feasible. It is my hope to instill a comfort level with students wherein they will feel at ease meeting with me to discuss any issues or concerns that may arise during the school year. In addition, students are welcome to schedule a time to meet with me on an individual or group basis. Every effort should be made by students to schedule a meeting time during a study hall. In the event of an emergency meeting, I will notify the classroom teacher that the student is with me.
Juniors and seniors will have the chance to attend college presentations at MSJ. Upcoming college visits will be posted outside of the Guidance Office door. Should a student wish to attend a college presentation he/she would need to sign up prior to the day of the presentation. The student will receive a pass that will excuse him/her from the scheduled class.
Seniors are allowed three excused absences for college visits. College visitations during school time must be approved in advance by the Guidance Director. A letter from the parent requesting time away from school for a college visitation must be submitted at least three days prior to a visitation.
The upcoming months are busy at the Mount! Here is a preview of coming attractions:
- Common Application Night for Seniors - October 2, 2008
(www.commonapplication.org for more information)
- Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) - October 15, 2008
(http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html for more information)
- Paying for College Night presented by VSAC - November 5, 2008
(http://services.vsac.org/ilwwcm/connect/VSAC/General/Calendar+of+Events/Paying+For+College+Presentations/ for more information)
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Peace and Blessings,
Lorin M. Gides, M. Ed.
Guidance Director
July 2008
Dear MSJ Families,
It is with great excitement that I start the 2008/2009 school year as MSJ’s Guidance Counselor. With fourteen years in the field of education, I look forward to adding my expertise in the area of student learning and communication to the outstanding team at MSJ.
While I will be working with students to assist them in scheduling their classes; with academic and social adjustment; and preparing and planning for college, you should know that I am here for you also. As their Guidance Counselor and as their parents, we share the common goal of a productive and positive secondary education. My first priority will be to work side by side with you to ensure your child is well equipped to navigate high school successfully as well as to make plans for attending college or university after graduating.
Interaction with parents and students on a regular basis to convey grade-level appropriate communication will be instituted. Included in that exchange will be information about academic and social adjustment to high school for incoming freshmen; building a strong high school transcript and resume for sophomores; beginning the college search for juniors; and specifics to the college and scholarship application process for the seniors. In addition, the development of a college resource center available to all grade levels is planned.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or input you may have about your child. I am happy to set up a time to meet with you, talk on the phone or communicate via email (guidance@msjvermont.org).
I look forward to being part of the MSJ team to work with students, parents and faculty to impart a love of learning, enthusiasm to succeed and a commitment to God and community.
Peace and Blessings,
Lorin M. Gides, Guidance Counselor, MSJ
