• Accumulated data on each student is on file in the counseling center.  This information, plus consultations with the student and their teachers, helps the counselor to assist the student with career guidance, program planning, educational concerns, selection of a college or vocational school, and the financial aid process.

    1.  Counseling:  Students may request to speak to their guidance counselor; however, students need to go through the proper procedure and obtain a pass to be absent from class.  The counselors are available to help students think through problems.  Counselors are at school to be of assistance.  The student or the parent should feel free to contact the counselor regarding crisis situations.  PLEASE LET US KNOW!
    2. Group Guidance and Counseling:  Small group counseling is available in a number of interest areas.  Concerns such as family changes and a variety of personal issues are dealt with in a group setting.  A number of classroom presentations are offered to students each year depending on need.  Topics may include financial aid, post high school planning, self-assessment, decision making, career choices, job applications, and so on.
    3. Assessment:  The Iowa Assessments are given to all ninth (9th), tenth (10th), and eleventh (11th) grade students.  The PLAN test is given to all tenth (10th) grade students.  College bound students should register for the ACT and the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in their junior year.  Counselors can help students and parents interpret the results of testing.
    4. Planning for Post-Secondary Education:  The Guidance Center helps students plan for future education.  The office has available a large number of college and vocational school catalogs, as well as other books containing information about higher education.  Students are encouraged to start using all this information as early as possible.  Computer searches provide students up-to-date information on colleges and careers. Students should carefully plan course selections based on postsecondary entrance requirements.  College applications are available in the counseling center or on-line. File applications during the senior year.
    5. Scholarships and Financial Aid:  The counselors will assist students in completing applications for scholarships offered by colleges and other organizations. Counselors also provide advice, software programs, printed materials and presentations for financial aid planning.  Students planning to attend college or vocational school should apply for financial aid and scholarships.  Applications and information are made available to all students.

     

    Thomas Jefferson High School Counselors

    Carla Hartenhoff (Senior/College Counselor)

    Stephanie Ryan (A-G)

    Abbey Fitzgerald (H-Q)

    Carmen Kinsley (R-Z)

    TJ Guidance and Counseling Center

     

    Abraham Lincoln High School Counselors

    Larella Rangel (Senior/College Counselor)

    Sharon Crawford (A-Gq)

    Valerie Hallagan (Gr-O)

    Christine Heckman (P-Z)