Greetings class of 2021 students and families, Here’s what’s happening this week for the Post-Secondary/Counseling center! Please also see the attached information. UPCOMING COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS: Sign-up in the Post-Secondary center
FAIRS:
Take the ASVAB at DHS on November 5 from 8-12. Sign up in the Post-Secondary Center. SOURCES OF STRENGTH UPDATE: Your DHS Counselors would like to share some background and updates on Sources of Strength, a national, upstream, suicide prevention program recently adopted by 9R. Sources of Strength represents a new tool in our ongoing effort to educate students and staff about risk and protector factors paramount in preventing suicide and cultivating resilience in young people. There are several important components to Sources of Strength we wanted to highlight. First, it is considered ‘upstream’ prevention because it aims to move back from a crisis-driven, reactive model to one that seeks to influence and educate students well before they face a crisis that might compel them to contemplate suicide. Second, Sources of Strength relies on a group of trained peer leaders and staff to develop positive, peer-led, socially-informed campaigns that focus on student voice, highlight student strengths and promote help-seeking behavior during difficult times. Finally, Sources of Strength is rooted in Positive Psychology, an approach that acknowledges that while most adolescent brains are hardwired for negatively, teens can be trained to look for and notice positive moments in their lives. Last week, adult mentors and students from Escalante Middle, Miller Middle, Mountain Middle, Big Picture High School, Durango High School and district staff were trained to facilitate Sources of Strength on their respective campuses. This Monday, Link Leaders facilitated a discussion with ninth graders during Advisory, while Advisors in grades 10-12 asked students to graph strengths and deficits so they could identify and articulate the strengths on which they rely. Finally, recognizing the value of having faculty and staff understand their own sources of strength, staff will receive an in-service so they are familiar with the philosophy and core tenants of the program and its value in promoting adult/professional resilience and growth. It is our pleasure to work with your student. As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Natalie Bertrand - Academic Advisor, class of 2021 Sean Hembree - School Counselor, classes of 2021 and 2023
Greetings class of 2021 students and families,
Welcome back from the 3 day weekend! Remember that September 9th is a PD day for our district (no school for students). The optional PSAT/NMSQT registration is now open! Please see the front office of the school to register. This test is on October 9th at DHS. UPCOMING COLLEGE VISIT DATES (Students, watch for the posters, you will need to sign up in the Post-Secondary Center for the visits you are interested in, see Anna Barstatis): ARMY NATIONAL GUARD: September 4th @ 11:00 TEXAS TECH: September 5th @ 10:00 NAVY: September 10th @ 10:30 WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY: September 18th @ 10am COLLEGE/POST-SECONDARY INFORMATIONAL NIGHTS: September 9th, 6-7PM @ DHS Library: Best college fit & match COLLEGE FAIRS: @ DHS September 17th: 5:30 - 7:00. Students, please register prior to the fair at www.gotocollegefairs.com. Print your barcode and bring with you to the fair. @ Aspen, Western Slope Fair: October 6th: www.cwscollegeoutreach.org @ Albuquerque, RMACAC Fair: September 15th: https://www.rmacac.org/albuquerque @ DHS October 7th: Military Night It is our pleasure to work with your student. As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Natalie Bertrand - Academic Advisor, class of 2021 Sean Hembree - School Counselor, classes of 2021 and 2023 Greetings class of 2021 students and families!
The 19/20 school year is off to a fantastic start and we have lots to cover and look forward to this year. This weekly update/newsletter will have general information, grading policy review and dates for college visits. Schedule changes are now CLOSED. It was great to see so many of you at check-in! NEW school-wide grading: PPBE: 5% FORMATIVE: 10% (NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED, lowest 2 scores will be dropped at the END of the semester) SUMMATIVE: 65% (e.g. quiz, unit exam, essay, project) FINAL EXAM: 20% UPCOMING COLLEGE VISIT DATES (Students, watch for the posters, you will need to sign up in the Post-Secondary Center for the visits you are interested in, see Anna Barstatis): (Tentative) ARMY NATIONAL GUARD: September 3rd @ 11:00 TEXAS TECH: September 5th @ 10:00 NAVY: September 10th @ 10:30 COLLEGE/POST-SECONDARY INFORMATIONAL NIGHTS: September 9th: Best fit & match COLLEGE FAIRS: @ DHS September 17th: 5:30 - 7:00. Students, please register prior to the fair at www.gotocollegefairs.com. Print your barcode and bring with you to the fair. @ Aspen, Western Slope Fair: October 6th: www.cwscollegeoutreach.org @ Albuquerque, RMACAC Fair: September 15th: https://www.rmacac.org/albuquerque @ DHS Military Night: October 7th PSAT/NMSQT: October 9th *Stay tuned for registration information. It is our joy and pleasure to work with your student. As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Natalie Bertrand - Academic Advisor, class of 2021 Sean Hembree - School Counselor, classes of 2021 and 2023 ________________________ Natalie Bertrand, MA Academic Advisor - Class of 2021 Durango High School 2390 Main Ave. (970) 259-1630 ext. 2317 [email protected] Hello, upcoming Juniors!
You’ve probably already heard the horror stories. And no doubt your parents and older siblings have already instilled within you their endless mantra that the Junior year is the most important year. This may be freaking you out a little about what is to come. It’s true, Junior year seems intimidating. It’s full of standardized testing and AP classes and lots and lots of college preparation. But don’t fear. We are here to help you! We have a breath before all of the lasts start — consider the advice below as we embark on your Junior year together. 1. There won’t be any do-overs. This year counts. By senior year it will be too late — the college coaches will have made their offers. Put a little extra effort into your grades, your sports, and your SAT prep. Practice hard on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom. There won’t be any second chances. It’s crunch time. 2. Be a good example. Younger kids are watching you. You’re finally an upperclassman. Your peers like you, and they’ll follow your lead. And remember, to your six little cousins, you’re their hero. Don’t disappointment them. You’ve been blessed with natural leadership qualities. Fit the role. Be kind. Be honest. Be humble. Be your best. 3. Put your family first. Right now, we seem like the most annoying people on the planet, but we love you. Talk to your parents. They are not as brainless as you might think. They will do anything to help you in your journey. Call your grandparents once in a while; they won’t be here forever. They get a thrill when you take the time to include them in your life. Be nice to your siblings. They will be by your side forever. 4. No high is worth the low. You feel invincible. You’re a risk-taker. That’s what makes you you. But be careful though. One bad decision can change the course of your life. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t get in a car with someone who’s been drinking or drugging. Make good choices. 5. Start thinking about a job. I know it seems like entering the workforce is a long way off, but it’s closer than you can imagine. You’ll spend a huge chunk of your life at your job. Do you see yourself as a businessman in an office? A coach on an athletic field? A ranger in the woods? What do you love now? Hold onto that and figure out how to turn it into a career. Use your gifts to make the world a better place and you’ll never feel like you’re working. 6. Have fun. Enjoy this second-to-last year of high school. The pressure is on, but it’s not quite boiling. Go to all the football games, hang out with your friends, and eat a lot of pizza. The real world will be here soon enough. We look forward to helping you navigate your Junior Year! Natalie Bertrand and Sean Hembree |
AuthorNatalie Bertrand is a Colorado native and has been a Durango resident since 2001. She joined the Post-Secondary Center team at Durango High School in August of 2016 as a Social/Emotional Counselor and is now the Academic Advisor for the freshman class of 2021. She has a diverse professional background that includes college advising, banking and, most recently, post-secondary workforce readiness work at the systems level. Archives
November 2019
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