School Counseling

Overview

The St. Anthony Village High School Counseling Program aligns with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

Guidelines consists of the following major areas:

Academic Support
College and Career Exploration and Support
Social/Emotional Support

Important info, common questions

Why would I see my counselor?

A student may see a counselor for a variety of reasons. School counselors are trained to help students with:

Personal Issues – anxiety, chemical use, eating issues, stress, depression, etc.
Social Issues – peer conflicts, family concerns, friendship or dating issues, etc.
Academic – study skills, tutors, scheduling, transcripts, etc.
Career/College – future planning, test preparation, applications for schools, etc.

The SAVHS Counseling Program uses a guidance curriculum in line with the Minnesota Department of Education and the World's Best Workforce Initiative. This includes learning activities that take place in grade level meetings, classroom level guidance, small group counseling, or with individuals.

Individual Planning & Responsive Services is available with school counselors that can provide consultation, personal counseling, crisis counseling, and referrals.

Individual counseling includes assisting students to assess and interpret abilities, interests, skills and achievements.
Individual counseling also includes encourages students to learn self-advocacy skills and to foster awareness, planning and decision making.

How do I make an appointment?

Students can make an individual appointment with their counselor by going to the School Counseling Secretary, Ms. Kurak in the main office, or contact a counselor via email.

Parents should make appointments to see their student’s counselor by calling the Counseling Office at 612-706-1104.

Counselors make every effort to return phone calls and emails within 48 hours, and to accommodate requests for appointments in less than one week.

During the busy times of the school year, such as early September, the end of January, and the month of June, it may take longer to receive a response.

Testing

MCA Tests

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) measures the verbal, math, and writing skills that students have developed over the years.

Typically, students take this test during the fall of their sophomore and/or junior years. Juniors are the only ones eligible to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.

Learn more information about the PSAT/NMSQT.

ACT

The ACT is the college admission test that is taken by a majority of the students in the Midwest.

Students planning to attend a four-year school should take this exam.

Typically, students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year. Sometimes students retake it in the summer following their junior year or in the fall of their senior year to try to improve their spring scores.

Learn more about the ACT exam.

Students with a disability may qualify for accommodations for college entrance or placement exams, such as the Accuplacer, ACT or SAT. For details, talk to the district testing coordinator, school counselor or visit the following websites: www.act.org or www.collegeboards.com.

Transcripts

Current students should complete a transcript request form in the high school Counseling Office.

Former students should contact Marta Kurak at 612-706-1104 or email at mkurak@isd282.org.

Please note: the high school office is closed during summer months. Transcripts requested during this time will not be sent until counseling staff returns in the middle of August.

College-and-Career Support

The School Counseling Office staff invites students to meet with a counselor to support them on their journey to explore and finalize post-high school plans.

This process is different for every student, and may include career exploration, college planning, and/or connecting with the military.

Students in Grades 11 and 12 will have an individual meeting to discuss future plans.

Students in Grades nine and 10 will have classroom guidance lessons to encourage exploration of future college and career plans.

Students are also encouraged to set up individual appointments with a counselor to discuss topics such as, FAFSA, College Applications, and ACT Prep.

College visits are encouraged, and many colleges send recruiters to SAVHS for information sessions.

Contact

Heather Berndt
High School Counselor
612-706-1191
hberndt@isd282.org

Grade nine; Grades 10-12 for last names beginning with N-Z
________________________________

Kate Edwards
High School Counselor
612-706-1036
kedwards@isd282.org

Grades 10-12 with last names beginning with letter A-M
________________________________

Marta Kurak
Administrative Assistant, Counseling Office
612-706-1104
mkurak@isd282.org