Counseling Department

August/Sept. Newsletter

AIMS Test Dates

2011 Saturday Math Tutor Flyer

ACT-SAT Info.

Graduation and University Requirements

2011 Lunch Tutoring

480-984-8947 ext 140
Students are assigned to counselors by alphabet according to students' last names. In most cases, counselors work with the same group of students throughout their four years of high school.
A-Co  Ms. Bryant
Cr-He Ms. Valocchi
Hi-Me Ms. Ortiz
Mi-Sa Mr. Longacre
Sc-Z Ms. King

Scheduling Appointments

• Students should come to counseling to complete an appointment request form.
• Counseling will send for students on the day of the appointment.
• Students sign in and out in the counseling logbook to be excused from class.
• A "Counselor of the Day" is available each day of the week to assist any student in crisis or who has an emergency. No appointment is needed
• For general questions we also see walk-ins during the first 30 minutes of 4th lunch and the last 30 minutes of 5th lunch.

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Career Center
Visit Ms. O'Brien in the Career Center! Some of the available resources include:

• Upcoming Events
• Career Information
• Finding the Right College
• Community Colleges
• Arizona Universities
• Technical & Trade Schools
• Military Academies
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• ACT & SAT Tests
• Job Search
• Armed Forces Information

Grading Information
Progress reports are issued at the 4.5 weeks, 9 weeks, and 13.5 weeks. These grades do not remain on a student's permanent record. The final grade for each semester, December and May, remains on a student's permanent record.

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Schedule Changes
Schedules are set by the beginning of the school year. In July, Mail-In Registration days are held so students can make corrections to their schedules, pay fees, and change demographics information. Once school begins, schedule changes are very limited, and in most cases cannot be done. We do not change electives once school has started. Changes for second semester can be requested through mid-December.

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Tutoring:
Math and English Tutoring is available during both lunch periods. Please call the counseling office for more information.

Clubs/Activities
Desert Ridge High School provides a variety of clubs and activities in which students can participate. All students are encouraged to get involved starting their freshman year. Involvement can help students enrich academic experiences, explore interests, develop leadership skills, contribute to the community, and make new friends. Most clubs can be joined anytime throughout the year; other activities have specific deadlines.

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Summer School
Summer school information and applications are available to students during second semester. Information is provided regarding classes, cost, location, and dates. Applications can be obtained in the counseling office or online through the district website www.gilbertschools.net

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Counselor Visits
Counselors visit classrooms each year during first semester in all grade levels to present pertinent information as it relates to acclimation to high school, activities, scholarship preparation, and career planning, testing, and preparing for post high school plans. Students receive information related to what they should be doing in the current year to prepare for their plans and goals after high school. Counselors also meet with students during registration to assist them in class selection.

Senior Newsletter

Junior Visits: November/April

Sophomore Visits: October

Sophomore Newsletter

Freshman Visits:  September

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Registration Information:

*Juniors
*Sophomores
*Freshman
*Incoming Freshman Parent Night Powerpoint
Course Description Book

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Testing:
Students should take advantage of applicable testing in the areas of career interests/planning, college entrance, advanced placement, and community college placement.
Students should take advantage of information provided on ACT and SAT websites related to test preparation, test taking strategies, and practice questions. The best preparation for these tests is student commitment and a solid academic program.
Below is information on testing currently offered to students at Desert Ridge High School or other testing sites. Students can receive more information on these opportunities through counseling.

Scholarships:
We have a Scholarship Board in the Career Center and students are highly encouraged to check it on a weekly basis. All scholarships that we receive are posted and there are a wide variety of scholarships available throughout the year.
College Planning, Scholarship and Financial Aid Websites:
Arizona Scholarship Opportunity Database
ACT (www.act.org)
College Board (www.collegeboard.com)
College Goal Sunday (www.collegegoalsunday.com)
EdFund www.edfund.org
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Fastweb (www.fastweb.com)
Federal Student aid Information (www.studentaid.ed.gov)
Financial Aid Information Page (www.finaid.org)
Planning for College (www.wiredscholar.com)
www.azcis.intocareer.org (See counselor for user name and password)
U.S. Government Information and Services (www.students.gov)
Honors Endorsement/Tuition Waiver

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Military Service:
Students can check the schedule in the counseling office to see what recruiters will be on campus.
DRHS offers students the opportunity to participate in the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) program. Along with the curriculum, students may participate in drill team/color guard activities, air rifle team, orienteering team, adventure team, and community service. Army instructors provide students assistance in applying for military scholarships. No military obligation is incurred through participation in the JROTC program.

At the post-secondary level, many opportunities are available through college ROTC programs. The following web sites provide information on career opportunities, training, and available scholarships for students seeking an education through the military.
Air Force ROTC
Army ROTC
Navy ROTC

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