August 2022
Newsletter
In This Issue: 1 Welcome 2 Meet the Counseling Department 3 College Counseling Information 4 Counseling Department Events
Welcome! As we begin the school year, the members of the Saint Joseph Academy Counseling Department would like to welcome you to what we hope will be a rewarding and successful year for all of our students. One of Saint Joseph Academy’s unique and special qualities is the emphasis we place on caring for each student as an individual. As school counselors, we are committed to seeing that all students are given the support that they need to grow personally, academically, socially, and spiritually. We want to be sure that all parents are aware of the services offered through the Counseling Department. At every step along the way, our goal is that all Saint Joseph Academy students will feel that they belong to a school community that cares for them, supports them, and challenges them. https://www.sja.us/academics/counseling
SJA Counseling Department
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August 2022
Meet the SJA Counseling Department
Mrs. Olga Cisneros, M.Ed.
11th and 12th Grade School Counselor
Ms. Mary Beth Martin, M.Ed.
Mrs. Vilma Wolfe, M.Ed.
9th and 10th Grade School Counselor
7th and 8th Grade School Counselor
and College Counselor
and College Counselor
and Lead College Counselor
ocisneros@sja.us * ext. 354
mbmartin@sja.us * ext. 368
vwolfe@sja.us * ext. 353
There are three grade level counselors: Mrs. Wolfe is the counselor for students in grades 7 and 8; Ms. Martin is the counselor for students in grades 9 and 10; and Mrs. Cisneros is the counselor for students in grades 11 and 12. All grade level counselors provide personal and academic counseling for their students, and they also offer personal growth group counseling for those students who would like to participate. Throughout the year, counselors give class presentations on a variety of topics related to normal adolescent development, as well as college planning. Students may stop by to schedule an appointment with their grade level counselor at any time; they may also be referred by teachers or parents when there is a concern and the counselor can help.
As the testing coordinator, Ms. Irwin will manage the school’s standardized testing program, including the Iowa Assessments, PSAT, PSAT 8/9, SAT School Day, and AP Testing. She will also assist with test score interpretation and analysis of data related to standardized testing.
Ms. Lindsay Irwin, M.Ed. Testing Coordinator lirwin@sja.us * ext. 318
SJA Counseling Department
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August 2022
SJA College Counseling Information
The College Application Process! In the 11th grade, the college application process begins in earnest, when college counselors meet with students and parents in family conferences to get each student started on their individualized college application process. The Counseling Department also works with students in classrooms and hosts an evening meeting for parents to provide information on how to help their children prepare to apply to college. In the 12th grade, the college counselors work closely with each individual student throughout every phase of the application process to ensure that all students have the help they need to find the best college fit for them. In addition, the department holds meetings for parents on college applications and financial aid, and hosts many college admission representatives for school visits each year. In September, the Counseling Department sponsors an annual College Fair for all Bloodhound students and their parents to help students connect personally with their colleges of interest. A Career Day is held every two years for all students to meet with professionals from the community to learn firsthand about different career options. In alternate years, the department sponsors a College Student Forum, during which SJA graduates return to campus to answer questions about their college experience and offer advice on how to prepare for college.
CIALFO
INFORMATION/FORMS Google Classroom:
Instagram @sjacollegecounseling
COLLEGE COUNSELING
Facebook @sjabloodhoundfamilies
The college search and application platform at SJA for
SOCIAL MEDIA
all juniors and seniors.
https://sja.cialfo.co
SJA College Counseling
(For Seniors only)
Remind 81010 - Text @sjacoll (For Seniors only)
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August 2022
SJA Counseling Department Events
EVENT
DATE(S)
TIME / LOCATION
Senior Parent College Meeting
September 15
6:30 p.m. - Library
College Fair
September 23 (1:00-3:00 PM)
Student Center
Junior Ring Meeting
September 26 (8:45-9:20 AM)
Student Center
Junior Ring Orders
October 3 (8:00-9:30 AM)
Student Center
PSAT (8th-11th Grade)
October 12
Classrooms
HOBY Leadership Seminar (10th)
November (nominations)
Committee Review
College Student Forum
January 5 (Bi-yearly)
Various - Classrooms
Senior Graduation Meeting
December 5 (8:45-9:25 AM)
Student Center
Senior Graduation Order & Gown
December 12 (8:00-9:30 AM)
Student Center
Career Day
(Bi-yearly... Feb. 2024)
SJA Campus
Junior Student/Parent College Meeting
February 15
6:30 p.m. - Library
Junior Family Conferences
February / March
Counselor's Office
Awards Assembly (Ceremony)
April 18
Student Center
Junior Ring Ceremony
April 25 (9:00 AM)
St. Mary's Church
Senior Breakfast
May 12
Student Center
Graduation
May 19
Student Center
Classroom Presentations 1st Quarter - Character Education 2nd Quarter - Career Awareness & Exploration 3rd Quarter - Social Relationships 4th Quarter - Decision Making Skills
SJA Counseling Events
Clubs/Organizations Positive Peer Leadership Team (PPLT) and Say What Bloodhounds (SWB) under the Counseling Department, moderator Mrs. Wolfe. Instagram @sja.pplt and @sja.vs.tobacco
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