Counseling Office

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT MISSION & GOALS

The mission of the Alameda High Counseling Department is to address the diverse needs of all our students, compassionately and resourcefully. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive guidance program to assist students with academic planning, social-emotional growth and post-secondary options. Our program encourages students to be lifelong learners and responsible members of a changing society.

Counseling Goals

To counsel each student as to the AUSD graduation requirements.
To encourage each student to meet all graduation requirements within a four-year high school program.
To present available options for post secondary plans.
To assist in college/career planning.
To help and assist each student to become a self-directed, problem solving, socially aware citizen

Counseling Office Grade Level Curriculum

9th Grade

The counselors work with 9th graders in the classroom to ensure that all students have a strong foundation on what they will need to complete in high school. All 9th grade students will receive curriculum in their Navigating Life class depending upon which semester they are enrolled. The presentation includes topics such as graduation requirements, high school credits and transcripts, and college admission requirements (A-G). Planning is an important step for students. Freshmen year emphasis is placed on students planning classes for the remainder of high school as well as planning for life after high school. Students will create a 4 year Academic Plan on paper and entered into Aeries as part of the lesson.

9th grade slide presentation

Zoom Recording: Freshmen Presentation 2020-21

Freshmen also receive a status letter in the spring.

10th Grade

The counselors work with 10th graders in their English classrooms to ensure that all students continue building on the strong foundation developed 9^th grade year. Graduation requirements and school resources are reviewed and post-secondary goals discussed. College admission A-G requirements are covered and college admissions testing requirements introduced.

At-risk Sophomores will receive a letter mailed home in the fall noting deficits towards graduation and options for remediating the deficits.

All sophomores will receive a letter in the spring which will include their most current transcript and a Sophomore Academic Summary detailing their progress towards graduation and A-G completion. The Sophomore Academic Summary also includes an area for students to plan classes for their junior and senior years meeting graduation and post-secondary goals. Wellness tips will also be included.

10th grade slide presentation

11th Grade

As students start their second half of their high school career, the focus is on more detailed planning for the future including graduation and post-high school. The counselors will meet with all 11th grade students in their English classes in the spring for a presentation which reviews graduation requirements and goes into post-secondary options in greater detail including college testing and supplementary requirements. This presentation will help them consider the requirements they still need for both graduation and college admission to best plan for their senior year.

11th Grade Slide Presentation

Graduation Checklist

At Risk juniors will receive a letter home in the fall detailing their deficits and provide options for remediation.

All juniors will receive a Junior Letter in the spring detailing their current progress towards graduation. This letter will also contain reminders about preparing for college admissions in the future.

12th Grade

As students prepare to complete their high school experience, the counselors are available to provide guidance in helping them meet their post-secondary goals. The counselors will meet with 12th grade students in their English classes in the early fall to present a presentation on the college admission process that will include information on the community college, CSU and UC systems as well as private schools and testing with helpful hints and reminders.

12th Grade Slide Presentation

Services Available

Academic Supports

Academic counseling towards the completion of graduation requirements and post secondary options.
Scheduling and program adjustments
Monitoring of graduation requirements & credits
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Concurrent enrollment/summer enrollment
Community service information
Weekly grade contracts
Assistance With Special Education Services
Identification and referral of students with special needs to Student Study Team