Counseling Corner

Advisory: Students have the opportunity to work with Alcott Senior Leaders during Advisory lessons every 5 weeks.  The lessons focus on skills related to being successful high school students.  Students are provided with guidance and support as they learn more about class and homework, time management, self-advocacy, grading, conflict resolution and social emotional skills development.  

Freshman Seminar: This is an elective course offered to all Freshmen.  The focus of the class is on making the transition to high school a successful one. Topics range from adjusting to high school life, using teamwork skills to accomplish goals and solve problems, developing effective communication skills, citizenship and becoming independent learners.  Freshman Seminar is designed to help foster and develop new skills necessary for success in school, college, career and beyond.

Advisory:  Students engage in Advisory lessons every 5 weeks where they begin exploring their post-secondary options.  Students complete interest inventories, research careers, learn more about programs of studies and opportunities to pursue various careers.  Students also focus on academic goal setting, understanding and calculating G.P.A.s, identifying personal strengths. 

Pre-One Goal: Sophomores can apply to the One Goal cohort at the end of their Sophomore year which begins in Junior year.  One Goal is a 3-year wrap around program that begins Junior year and provides students with lessons and instruction on post-secondary planning.   One Goal support ends one once the students have matriculated to the 2nd year of their post-secondary program. Benefits of the One Goal program include partnerships with post-secondary institutions that can result in scholarships and academic support and mentorship at partner schools.

Advisory:  If enrolled in the Leaders course, students lead freshmen activities and lessons during Advisory time.   The other students participate in post-secondary lessons using the Naviance program and work on G.P.A development, SAT prep, goal setting and effective communication skills.  

One Goal Year 1: During this year of the program, the focus is on learning about and understanding the community, developing self-awareness, professional aspirations and linking them to post-secondary goals.  

Junior Seminar: At the beginning of the second semester, students transition out of Civics and into Junior seminar. In the course students prepare for the upcoming SAT exam, work on their G.P.A. growth, complete an independent research project, explore their professional aspirations, and research the 6 approved post-secondary pathways necessary for students to earn the Learn. Plan. Succeed CPS graduation requirement.  By the end of the course all students are prepared for senior year with the  tools they need for effective postsecondary planning including a personal statement, a list of 7 schools or post-secondary programs to which they will apply during senior year.  

Advisory: Seniors who are in the senior leaders class will lead advisory lessons for the freshmen and engage with them as supportive mentors.  All other seniors will participate in activities focusing on the transition from high school, decision making, understanding financial aid, effective interpersonal communication skills and self-advocacy.  

One Goal Year 2: Students continue in their cohort journey in the One Goal curriculum.  Material focuses on applying to colleges and post-secondary programs, applying for scholarships and financial aid, and working towards developing a concrete post-secondary plan.  Lessons also focus on skills related to living independently and preparing for life after high school.  At the end of the course all students will have a concrete post-secondary plan in one of the 6 approved pathways and will have a completed FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application.  

Senior Seminar:  The first semester focuses on post-secondary planning.  Students complete 7 college or post-secondary program applications, 5 scholarship applications and the FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application.  During the second semester the course focuses on financial literacy and decision making.  At the end of the course all students will have a concrete post-secondary plan in one of the 6 approved pathways and will have a completed FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application.

One Goal Year 3: Students continue to receive check-in support from their teacher as they matriculate through their first year in their post-secondary program.  Check-ins include enrollment and financial aid assistance as well as progress monitoring in classes.  Students are also linked with the One Goal organization and are able to receive support from individuals in the program.  

Summer Transition/Melt: Research shows that almost one third of the students who have been accepted to college and intend to enroll never make it to campus, this phenomenon is called Summer Melt.  The reasons for this are many: students lack resources, support and guidance necessary to effectively navigate the college enrollment process, they encounter unanticipated expenses associated with college enrollment and other unexpected challenges.  The Summer Transition team works to prevent the devastating effects of summer melt by proving targeted support to ensure that all recent graduates arrive to their selected campus come the fall. Summer Transition support includes:  Weekly reminders via text, email and social media remind students to check emails, complete required forms and attend orientation for classes.  Logistical support: summer transition team members are available in person or via phone to help with the completion of financial aid and verification forms.  Emotional support: team members work with students and their parents to provide encouragement and reassurance to manage pre-college anxiety.