Who is my Guidance Counselor?

If your last name starts with…

A-C Mrs. Kashy

D-J Ms. Klein

K-Ri Mr. Wigfall

Ro-Z Mr. Erfe

How do I see my counselor?

There is a red form on the front desk in the Guidance office. Fill out the form and give it to Mrs. Adams, our Guidance secretary, or put it in your counselor’s mailbox, located outside their office door.

Why are my freshman grades so important?

ALL high school grades are recorded on your permanent transcript. All final grades are computed into your final Grade Point Average, or GPA. You want to have the best GPA possible in order to be competitive for college admission, scholarships and job placement.

Why should I do my homework on the day it is assigned rather than the night before it is due?

Our schedule allows for some flexibility in how students handle homework. You are encouraged to do your homework the night it is assigned in order to keep up with your work. This also gives you the opportunity to seek out extra help from your teacher the next day if you are having trouble with your homework.

Why should I join clubs and activities?

Students who have an investment in their school tent to do better in school and have a positive attitude. Another reason to participate in school activities is that colleges, scholarships, and job applications will ask for this information. The more well rounded you are the better applicant you make.

Some tips that will help you throughout high school…

SELECT APPROPRIATE COURSES

Know the requirements for your diploma type (check out page 4 in the Program of Studies). Each year you have some courses which are required, and some electives. Think about what you want to do when you get out of high school, and gear your electives toward that goal. If you are planning to attend college, chose the most challenging classes that you can handle.

BEGIN AN ACTIVITIES FILE

Beginning with your freshman year, start a file which includes any activities you involve yourself with. Stretch a little and run for a leadership position in your clubs. Include the number of hours you spend volunteering, as well as any honors or awards you earn. This will become very helpful as you complete college, scholarship and job applications your senior year.

BECOME AWARE OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA HELP

There are several opportunities for you to receive extra help in any of your classes. You can stay after school with your teachers, National Honor Society students tutor students in all subject areas. We have a list of paid tutors that are available for students.

The Math Tutoring Center is during all lunches Mon-Thurs in room 409. Ms. O’Brien is available on even days and Mrs. McFarlane is available on odd days, bring work you need help with.

The GHS Literacy Center is to help students increase their reading and writing skills. The Literacy Center is available every period both even and odd days. See any English teacher for schedule details. Students must have a specific reading or writing task to address.

DON’T QUIT OVER THE SUMMER!

Several Colleges offer excellent summer programs. Of course, many of the more traditional summer activities can also be very worthwhile. You could, for example, join an athletic team, take a course, perfect a skill, develop a hobby, read and or do volunteer work at the local hospital, nursing home, homeless shelter, blood bank, etc.

See the Grafton HS website “Special Programs” for more available opportunities.

Please follow the directions listed below to get to the Special Programs listings:

www.yorkcountyschools.org

Click on “Schools”

Click on “Guidance”

Click on “Special Programs”

Click on “What’s Happening in Special Programs?”

CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES

Career Exploration

In 8^th grade you’ve taken the Kuder Assessments, now you can use your Kuder Career Portfolio to help you plan for college and future careers. In order for you to be able to use this program throughout high school, you will need Grafton High School’s code. Please do the following:

Go to www. va.kuder.com

Click on “Returning User”

Click on “My Profile”

Click on “Account Info”

Scroll to the bottom of the page to School Access Code, and type in 9328

Just under that, type in the school zip code – 23692

Doing this will update your information, and allow you to do activities at the high school. If you have forgotten your password from last year, please see your counselor.

www.KnowHowVirginia.org

www.number2.com

College information

www.princetonreview.com

www.collegeboard.com

Study Tips

www.howtostudy.org

Make 2007-2008 a Great Year!