OUSD Secondary Counseling
September 2021
For this newsletter, we will be getting to know the school counselors who are new to our teams. We also have reminders for counseling tasks and events for September, as well as college and career announcements. Enjoy!
OUSD School Counseling Mission:
The mission of the OUSD School Counseling Program is to provide a district-wide comprehensive, equitable, and accessible system of support to all students. Our students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to achieve academic success, college and career readiness, and healthy social/emotional development.
OUSD School Counseling Vision:
Our OUSD School Counseling Program fosters student success in a diverse and changing world by graduating students who are prepared to make a positive impact on humanity and meet the demands of their college, career, and life goals.
Our School Counseling Teams Are Growing!
Please join us in welcoming the following secondary school counselors to our OUSD team:
Jennifer Abalos, Canyon High School
Marisol Gutierrez, Canyon High School
Rachelle Tan, El Modena High School
Paige Acuña, El Modena High School
Kassondra Romero, Orange High School
Lauren Bartelli, Villa Park High School
Vaishalee Sampat, Cerro Villa Middle School
Sandy Huynh, Portola Middle School
Ashley Arzola, Yorba Middle School
Please join us in welcoming the following school counseling interns to our secondary schools:
Jennifer Chavez, Cerro Villa Middle School (this is Jennifer's second year with OUSD)
Cynthia Polanco, Portola Middle School
Martha Hernandez, Portola Middle School
Jennifer Abalos, Canyon High School
A note rom Ms. Abalos:
I am very proud be a part of the amazing counseling team at Canyon High School. This is my 16th year as an educator (8 as an elementary school teacher and 8 as a school counselor) and I continue to grow and learn as a professional. I always loved school as a student, and I feel blessed to be able to give back as a school employee. In my free time, I enjoy being a dog mom, going on “staycations,” swimming laps to stay both physical and mentally healthy, and babysitting my 17-month-old nephew. I look forward to this school year- go Comanches!
Marisol Gutierrez, Canyon High School
A note from Ms. Gutierrez:
I am delighted to be joining the Canyon counseling team this year! For the past few years, I have been working at the university level, and I am happy to be back working with high school students. I am excited to bring my university knowledge to our students and families. I firmly believe as counselors, we are advocates for our students and provide guidance for helping them find their academic and personal goals. In my free time, I enjoy going to Disneyland and spending time with my two dogs.
Kassondra Romero, Orange High School
I am very excited to be joining the Orange High School counseling team. I became a counselor because I enjoy climbing the mountain of adversity with students, holding what they need help carrying on their way up, and encouraging them to utilize their strengths to complete the journey. I strive to help students feel supported through any challenges that come their way and let them know that I will always be rooting for them and encouraging them to reach their fullest potential.
Rachelle Tan, El Modena High School
My name is Rachelle Tan, and I am honored to be joining the counseling team at El Modena High School. My desire to become a school counselor is rooted in a quote by Nelson Mandela, “history will judge us on the difference we make in the everyday lives of children”. In my years as a school counselor, I have been passionate in my commitment to my profession and my students. I recognize how important my role is on campus and I am dedicated to maximizing student performance, inspiring interest in college and career pursuits, and instilling a sense of self-worth in all my students. This school year it is important to me to work collaboratively with my team, parents/guardians, teachers, administration, and all staff to ensure students receive the support they need as they navigate their high school years. As an OUSD alumni, I am excited to come back and serve my hometown. Go Vanguards!!
Paige Acuña, El Modena High School
A note from Ms. Acuña:
I feel incredibly lucky to have joined the El Modena Counseling Team! What I love about School Counseling is the way in which parents, staff, and students collaborate and plan as a collective team to ensure student success. My mission this year is to have a positive & significant interaction with every single one of my students! What we need more than anything this school year is for students to feel a sense of belonging and stability. I am excited to work with all of the amazing talent here at OUSD and look forward to a great year! When I am not on campus, I like to spend my time outdoors! I enjoy traveling, doing yoga, camping in our beautiful National Parks, and playing with my two cats, Marty Byrde & Colin.
Lauren Bartelli, Villa Park High School
A note from Ms. Bartelli:
I am very excited to be joining the Villa Park High School counseling team. The most powerful experience I gained as a counselor these past few years has been working holistically with students to assess and address their personal, social, and academic needs and goals. The diverse student population I have served has led me to believe every student has the desire and ability to become a lifelong learner. I am fortunate to be serving the community in which I grew up and continue to spend my days in Orange County playing with my niece, nephews, and Pomeranian puppy, Gnocchi.
GO SPARTANS!
Vaishalee Sampat, Cerro Villa Middle School
A note from Mrs. Sampat:
I’m looking forward to the upcoming school year and being part of the Cerro Villa counseling team. I am passionate about supporting students through their educational journey and helping them discover paths they may not even know existed. I’m excited to help students build on their strengths and identify opportunities for growth so they can strive for success. When I’m not at school, you’ll find me hanging out with my family--my husband and two boys. We enjoy hiking, love playing board games and recently discovered our green thumbs. I’m thrilled to join the Viking community this year!
Sandy Huynh, Portola Middle School
My name is Sandy Huynh, and it is my great honor to be joining the Portola Middle School family. I have worked with students from all grade levels, and nothing brings me more joy than to see the progress and growth our students make. As a school counselor, I hope to guide our students to the many opportunities and services we have to offer. I look forward to working and collaborating with everyone!
Ashley Arzola, Yorba Middle School
I am very excited to become a part of the dynamic counseling team at Yorba Middle School. My previous counseling experience has led me to work with such a diverse population and has provided me with growth and understanding of how important SEL is to students’ academic and personal growth. A little behind the scenes about me: I am a newlywed and a new cat mom! I am looking forward to this new adventure and the impact I can make here at Yorba!
VPHS School Counselors Were Beaming About the First Day of School!
School counselors positively impact every part of campus life. In the photo above, VP school counselors are gearing up to welcome our students back to campus!
SEPTEMBER REMINDERS: School Counseling Meetings, Events and ASCA Implementation Progress
Flyer for districtwide counseling meetings: OUSD District Wide Counseling Meeting Schedule
ASCA Implementation Reminders & Monthly Due Dates
Sept 2: 9-10 am Xello transcripts (Online)- please have at least one counselor from your site attend
Sept 2: 1:30-2:30 pm, Online- Lead Counselor Meeting
Sept 8, 9, 10, 14 and 15: UC Counselor Conference
Sept 15, 16, 17: 12-3 pm ASCA (Online)
September 25th: FREE SAT PREP (online)
September 29. 1:30-3pm (D.O. Panther Lab)- Cookies and Counseling Optional PLC
August ASCA Tasks
1.) School Data Summary – due for your school on 9/24/21 (tip: use data from our Orenda sessions that has been provided to you)
2.) Annual Student Outcome Goal Plan- due for your school on 9/24/21
3.) Calendars (Annual Calendar Template)- due for your school on 9/24/21
September ASCA Tasks
1.) Closing the Gap Action Plan- due 9/24/21
Progress monitoring guidance alignment checkpoint sessions: Guidance Alignment Protocol
2.) Plan an admin conference- Annual Administrative conference (should take place by 9/24/21) * Please place one conference form per school counselor on your team. This conference is meant to be collaborative and not evaluative.
3.) Start organizing the School Counseling Advisory Council for your school (you will have two meetings for the year) School Counseling Advisory Council First Semester Agenda, Advisory council first semester minutes
4.) Calculate use of time from 9/20-9/25/21
5.) Classroom and Group Mindsets & Behaviors Action Plan- due by October 1,2021
These events are hosted in partnership with Chapman University.
Additional Resources from OCDE for Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month While the pandemic has changed our fabric of life, it has also strengthened our resilience and resolve. As we re-enter “normal” life--whether this means going back to school, reconnecting with friends, rediscovering favorite places, or re-imagining our future--transitions are easier when we navigate them together. Remember, all of us can play a role in suicide prevention. Together we can reconnect, re-enter, and rebuild for the future.
Each Mind Matters Website
Information on Suicide Prevention is available on the Each Mind Matters website.
Suicide Prevention Activation Kit
This Annual Suicide Prevention Week Activation Kit is intended to help organizations across California plan and implement activities for Suicide Prevention Week (September 5-11, 2021).
For additional support and questions, please email info@suicideispreventable.org.
ASCA and Orenda Updates
We are continuing our work in implementing best practices from ASCA and Orenda this school year.
The next round of our ASCA training is tentatively scheduled from September 15th-17th from 12-3 pm. Meeting links have been sent to each of you. As was mentioned during our team meetings, we are working on getting this rescheduled and will send you the new dates once we have them.
ASCA documentation will be collected each month: School Counselor Interactions 2021-22
As was discussed last school year, please make sure your ASCA data expert for your school helps your team in documenting the interactions you are having with students by domain. If you have not done so already, please make sure that you connect with your secretaries regarding how students will be signing in prior to coming into your office. This data will be submitted to Katie through a google form each month.
We will use this school year to lay the groundwork for the implementation of the ASCA framework, collect all of the documentation together, and then the schools that are ready will apply for RAMP in October, 2022. For your planning purposes, here is the 2021-22 ASCA Implementation Checklist.
Be in the Know!
Here is our updated OUSD School Counselors' Handbook for you to reference: OUSD School Counselors' Handbook
school counselors with strategies to support student’s social
and emotional wellbeing as they reconnect and reintegrate
to in person learning.
Dual Enrollment
As was mentioned in last month's newsletter, this school year we will be piloting a dual enrollment SCC Counseling 113 online course that will be hosted by Villa Park High School. The class will be accessible to OUSD students, with specific support being provided within Study Skills classes. Your AP of Curriculum and your AP of Special Education will be working with you on supporting the enrollment into this class. It has a maximum capacity of 40 students. Here is more information from SCC regarding this course: SCC Counseling 113 for OUSD.
Further, SCC has posted their 2021-2022 catalog. The new format makes it easier for counselors to search for Credit Courses and Programs of Study: https://sccollege.elumenapp.com/catalog/2021-2022Catalog/home#mainContent
The SCC Dual Enrollment website (www.sccollege.edu/dualenrollment) added two new items:
o Under the MORE INFO For HS Counselors & Administrators, SCC posted a new booklet created by OC Pathways – A Guide to UC Requirements and High School Dual Enrollment.
o Under the BENEFITS – Student Success Stories, SCC is featuring an OUSD student who participated in the SCC Dual Enrollment Program and is transferring to UCLA.
AB104
Please note that August 14, 2021 was the deadline to submit a grade change for Pass/No Pass.
AB104 Graduation Requirements
Students who were enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of high school during the 2020-21 school year and who are not on track to graduate in four years, will be provided the opportunity to complete the minimum state graduation requirements to graduate. Options can include, but are not limited to, a fifth year of instruction or credit recovery. The Office of Curriculum & Instruction in conjunction with high-school administrators/counselors are in the process of identifying eligible students and will be contacting each family to discuss viable options. If you have immediate questions please contact Katie Treat, Coordinator of Career Counseling at (714) 628-5463 or by email at ktreat@orangeusd.org.
Next steps for school counselors and registrars:
1.) School counselors who had students in the class of 2021 in their caseloads who are close to meeting graduation requirements under AB104 have been sent their list of students who are recommended to pursue this modified graduation option. Once these students have completed the AB104 graduation requirements, the school counselor will complete this AB104 Modified Graduation Requirement Form and submit it to the registrar and to the Curriculum Department as a PDF to Lisa Green.
2.) Students in the classes of 2021 and 2022 also have the option of pursuing their remaining credits as a fifth year senior with OUSD. This information was already sent out to all students and families in the class of 2021 and2022. Should parents, students and families contact the school to pursue the option to continue as a fifth year senior or to graduate under California state requirements, the school counselor will complete this AB104 Modified Graduation Requirement Form and submit it to the registrar and to the Curriculum Department.
Registrars: For students who are continuing as fifth year seniors, please tag these students as grade 12 and add a note to the demographics student data and the counseling screen stating that the student is a 5th year senior.
3.) Similar to the process for the COVID modifications from last school year, for students in the class of 2022 who would benefit from AB104 modifications, please make sure that you conference with the applicable students and complete the AB104 Modified Graduation Requirement Form. Upon completion of these requirements, please submit it to the registrar and to the Curriculum Department upon completion.
Registrars: For seniors who are pursuing AB104 credit modifications, the option is a dropdown grad plan listed as AB104.
4.) Please note, the case carriers and/or administrative representatives must be included in this process for ANY student who has an IEP or a 504 who is pursuing the AB104 options listed above.
Notes from UC on AB104:
Question: How will Assembly Bill 104 (AB 104), which allows students to change letter grades earned in academic year 2020-21 to Pass (P) or Credit (CR) grades, affect UC admission?
Answer: UC’s Academic Senate had already extended, in early 2021, the suspension of the letter grade policy through summer 2021, allowing students to take A-G courses for P or CR grades and still meet admission requirements. AB 104, therefore, does not affect the temporary policies that were already in place. However, please note that all UC campuses, as well as our Academic Senate, strongly recommended that students take A-G courses for letter grades during the 2020-21 academic year, if given the option. Students with slightly lower-than-expected grades can utilize the Additional Comments section of the application to provide context for admissions readers.
OUSD Additional Supports for College and Career Success
Updates from UC:
UC Application and Application Center
The UC application for fall 2022 opened August 1. UC encourages students to spend ample time on their applications, developing each section to reflect the accomplishments, challenges, opportunities, and talents of each student within their own family, school, and community context. With the application now open, students can begin to craft their application in preparation for our November filing period.
The UC Application provides help and support throughout each section of the application. Applicants can view answers to their commonly asked questions on each page of the application by clicking ‘Help’ on the top navigation bar. Additionally, applicants will see blue ‘i’ icons throughout the application. By clicking on the blue ‘i’ icon, applicants will see a definition, explanation, or more context for a question. Lastly, students needing further assistance can contact the UC Application Center via phone or email. The Center is available Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm (Pacific Time).
- (800) 207-1710 (within the U.S.)
- (925) 298-6856 (outside the U.S.)
- ucinfo@applyucsupport.net (Email)
Fall California College Fairs (Virtual)
This fall California high school and community college students will have the opportunity to attend one of seven virtual intersegmental college fairs sponsored by the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU) and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AICCU). All UC and CSU campuses, and a majority of independent colleges and universities from the AICCU, will participate. High schools and community colleges will receive more information on the registration process, as well as Save the Date flyers and announcements, later in August. All events are free, and all California students are encouraged to attend! While fairs are scheduled in regions, students can attend any date that is best for them. In the meantime, mark your calendars now!
High School Fairs (in chronological order)
North: Saturday, October 2 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
South 1: Wednesday, October 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Central: Saturday, October 9 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
South 2: Saturday, October 16 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
California Community College Fairs (in chronological order)
North: Tuesday, October 12 from noon - 2:30 p.m.
All (evening): Wednesday, October 13 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
South: Thursday, October 14 from noon - 2:30 p.m.
The OUSD Virtual College & Career Fair will be organized with the following content:
October 5th: 4-year college and community college information
October 6th: CTE & Career information
October 7th: Grade level presentations by OUSD school counselors- please mark your calendars for this! We are hoping that this event can take the place of one of your school counseling parent nights.
Here is the registration flyer: OUSD Virtual College & Career Fair. Please share this with our students and families.
September 25th, October 2nd, and October 9th @ 9-11am: FREE SAT prep sessions. Here is the registration flyer for the SAT Prep Courses: SAT Preparation Courses for OUSD Students. Please share this flyer with our students and families.
October 13: PSAT and SAT school day (the PSAT will be administered for all 9th, 10th and 11th grade students; the SAT will be administered for all seniors).
We know that most universities are not requiring the SAT as part of the admissions process, but many are still using SAT scores as part of their placement practices. By providing these opportunities to our students, we are increasing access and decreasing barriers for college success.
Additional notes from the UC Bulletin:
Did You Know?
While many students are preparing to head off to college after an unprecedented year, a some are already on UC Merced’s campus and working away in research labs. They’re part of the inaugural FACTS Bridge Program, a way for first-year and transfer students to get a head start on research and more.
The FACTS Bridge Program is designed to immerse students in agricultural science and research. It stands for San Joaquin Valley Food and Agriculture Cyberinformatics Tools and Science. The six-week summer program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, allows students to work with faculty mentors in a focused environment, introducing students to the world of research in agricultural science and technology.
As part of the internship, students are visiting local agricultural operations, such as a local dairy, Hilmar Cheese Company and the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. The goal is for them to build practical experience and their understanding of the region’s agricultural context for their research and future careers. They also will have lab safety trainings, learn about graduate school opportunities and practice research writing techniques, among other activities. The hope is that these hands-on educational experiences will help lead to a well-prepared and modern workforce that can fill expected gaps in the country’s food, agriculture and related industries.
The training goes beyond research and academics. The bridge program provides crucial training in life skills such as budgeting, studying and stress management, all of which will help them succeed at the university.
Read the full article.
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) Matrix
With six campuses participating in the TAG program, we know counselors want answers to common questions in one place. The new TAG matrix is now available! This matrix outlines major TAG criteria across the six campuses in an easy-to-read grid format.
- Know who is eligible and when to file a TAG
- See if any majors are excluded from a TAG at a particular campus
- Learn the GPA and unit requirements
- Find out if IGETC is required or accepted
- Find TAG contact information for each campus
Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions
UC views high school and college counselors as our partners and colleagues. Year after year, we count on you to help prepare, guide and encourage students as they move through the UC application and selection process. Updated annually with the latest information, the Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions is your comprehensive guide on UC admission requirements, policy, and practice.
This booklet includes all these and much more!
- Charts for meeting A-G requirements and validating math
- High- unit limitations by campus for transfers
- COVID-19 modifications
- Campus policies for reviewing freshman applicants, including undeclared students
- IGETC certification policies for transfers
- Timing restrictions on major preparation for transfers
- English proficiency requirements for international or mixed-record students
- Contacts for campus departments, offices, and programs
The Quick Reference Guide will be posted to the UC Counselor website later this month!
September 12-14 and September 19-21
Xello
Here is the OUSD Xello Counseling Curriculum Scope & Sequence that we created together.
Xello lessons will be facilitated twice per school year (once in the fall and once in the spring) for ALL OUSD high school and middle school students.
Xello Course Planner will be used to create, revise and enhance four-year plans for all high school students so that our students are making very informed decisions about their course selections and career exploration opportunities.
Xello transcript orders: students will be able to order their transcripts through Xello beginning in September. More information to come!
Xello Family Portal: the parents and guardians of our students should have access to Xello by our fall Open House. This way family members can see the progress that our students are making with their college and career exploration efforts.
Career Exploration Resources & Opportunities for Students
Internship Opportunities:
The CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program
The Pathways Internship Program
U.S. Intelligence Careers Student Programs (includes cyber, digital forensics, computer science, and more)
Apprenticeship Opportunities:
Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Program
Department of Defense STEM Opportunities
OC One Stop Center
The Orange County One-Stop Center(s) provide comprehensive employment and training services. There are programs for youth, mature workers, people with disabilities, adults, dislocated workers and Veterans.
DMC Youth Connect:
If you are a youth with a disability ages 14-24 and live in Orange County, please join DMC Youth Connect via Zoom for: Live Out Loud (LOL), Independent Living Skills, Inclusive Improv, How to Work It.
Please reach out to us!
Kristine Nelson
Coordinator, Student & Community Services
Elementary School Counseling Program
Homeless, Foster & At-Risk Youth, 504s, SSTs, Crisis Intervention & Mental Health Support
(714) 628-5424
Lupe Perales, Psy.D.
Coordinator, Special Education
(714) 628-4080
Katie Treat
Coordinator, Career Counseling
Secondary School Counseling Program
College and Career Readiness
Career Technical Education (CTE)
(714) 628-5463