NPHS Guidance Office Page

News and Notes from the North Platte High School Guidance Office

By Wes Caruso

April 21, 2008

North Platte High School Guidance Department

School starts for freshmen on August 18th. All upperclassmen start on August 19th.

Set yourself up for success this year. Follow some of the following pointers to make the most of your high school experience.

College Bound Seniors:

Make an appointment with your counselor to review career goals and college plans.
Start to finalize a list of 3-5 colleges you would like to attend and contact them. Don't miss their application deadlines as they are often related to the scholarships they offer.
Register and prepare for the ACT, SAT or any entrance exam schools may require.
Attend the Educational Planing Program (college fair) September 16th.
Begin the scholarship process by preparing a resume and finding at least 3 people to write letters of recommendations for you.
Be on the lookout for national scholarships and listen for announcements about other scholarships.

Undecided Seniors:

Think about what will happen after high school including your first full time job that will get you closer to your goals.
If you have no idea on what will happen you can seek counsel with a guidance counselor, teacher or anybody that might offer valuable input.
A simple model for a plan would be establishing short term and long term goals and devise a realistic plan on how to achieve them. The act on your plan.
Focus on finishing your high school career strong.

Juniors:

Revaluate what you are trying to accomplish by being in high school.
Strongly consider options including possible schools, military branches or workforce opportunities.
Make sure all of your efforts, attitudes and actions are in line with what your goals are.
Gradually take more and more responsibility for your own success.
Register for the ACT.

Sophomores:

Prepare for the PLAN (practice ACT) test to be given to all Sophomores on October 8th.
Establish a goal as to what you want to do after high school.

Freshmen:

Decide on what your attitude in high school will be. It is very important to start your high school career off positively.
Take with you to high school the positive experiences from middle school and leave the negative experiences. Likewise, embrace the positive attributes of the high school and reject any negativity the high school may present for the sake of your goals.
Be able to distinguish between good and bad advice from upperclassmen.

Parents:

If you have not already done so, obtain access to the Parent Portal by visiting the main office.
Become familiar with your student's schedule, teachers and class requirements.
Frequently speak with your student about their progress in their classes. Seek specifics.

Counselors

Jolene Pettera, All Freshmen

Wes Caruso, Grades 10-12, Last Names Beginning A-G

Mary Lynn Horst, Grades 10-12, Last Names Beginning H-N

Keri Hammond, Grades10-12, Last Names Beginning O-Z

Teresa Schumacher, Guidance Secretary

Colleen Ashburn, Registrar