Eleventh grade can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for students and families. Preparing for life after high school begins in earnest, and there is a lot of information out there to wade through. To support our 11^th graders, the GHS Counseling Department will be conducting lessons through US/VA History classes the week of December 6th. We are also hosting a Junior Symposium on December 2 at 6:30 via Zoom.

These lessons include the following:

• A self-assessment through Naviance called "AchieveWorks Personality" a personality assessment to help students identify their strengths and areas of growth

• Exposure to Naviance tools such as Super Match and the Work-Based Learning Database.

• A conversation with counselors on their post-high school plan and the resources available to students and families as their plan comes into focus.

As a parent/guardian there are ways you can help to support your students as they prepare for life beyond Gainesville High School

• Attend the Junior Symposium on 12/2 at 6:30. Registration for this event is required. Students are also encouraged to attend. Representatives from various post-high school options will also present information.

• Counselors and Mr. Dulin, the GHS gifted teacher, will be hosting a lunch bunch on 12/3 on college applications. This is open to all juniors, and students can sign up for the lunch bunch in Naviance under College Visits.

• Review the PWCS Post-Secondary Planning Timeline. This is not intended to be a checklist but rather a conversation starter with your student.

• Encourage them to complete their "AchieveWorks Personality" self-assessment in Naviance before counselors come to their US/VA History class the week of 12/6. We will be raffling some GHS swag for 3 lucky juniors who complete the assessment before 12/6.

• Check in weekly on their progress. This can include asking about their weekly highs and lows, reviewing their grades through Student/Parent VUE and your Canvas Observer account, being curious about their friends, and allow them to self-advocate with their teachers for any supports they may need.

• Explore their strengths, areas of growth, and the education and opportunities needed to explore possible career paths

Other resources that will be helpful include:

• The GHS Counseling Canvas page and web page - we post opportunities and events as we are notified about them

• The PWCS College and Career Planning page - events such as college fairs and financial aid nights are advertised on this site.

• Naviance - This online career and post-high school planning tool is free and open to all PWCS high school students. There are free self-assessments, post-high school education research tools, college visits, and student enrichment opportunities are posted here for students to explore. Senior year, this is how students will request transcripts and letters of recommendation be sent; it's important for students to be comfortable with this excellent resource.

Gainesville High School counselors look forward to working with and supporting your student!